A talented young writer from Exmouth Community College has received a potentially life-changing opportunity.

Chloe Murrell, 17, has been awarded the first-ever writing bursary from the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.

It means that Chloe, of West Hill, Budleigh, will take part in a week-long residential course this summer with the internationally-renowned Arvon Foundation at its Totleigh Barton base in North Devon.

Chloe, who studies English language and literature at A level, as well as philosophy and history, said that becoming an author was her ‘life-long dream’, and added: “Reading widely across the genres and styles is something I make an effort to do, and I have come to enjoy literary novels such as Susan Hill’s alongside contemporary ones – a particular favourite being Nick Hornby.”

David Marston of the festival’s education group said Chloe’s ‘outstanding’ application had left the judges ‘deeply impressed’.

He added: “Chloe’s obvious and sincere passion for reading and writing is something worth nurturing and we hope that this, our inaugural bursary, will help.

“This course should provide a wonderful opportunity for Chloe to develop her writing and we hope it helps sow seeds for a fruitful literary career.”

The Arvon Foundation is a national arts charity which aims to encourage creative writing.

This year’s Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival will run from September 17 to September 20.