Eleven year old Molly Simmonds of Snodland CEP School took the reins at the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone for a day as her prize for winning a county wide writing competition.

The contest which was organised by the KM Charity Team challenged primary school children to write about which superhero they would like to walk to school with and why.

Molly said: “I chose Star-Lord from Guardians of the Galaxy because he always had his Walkman with him and I love to dance. We would dance all the way to school. He would fly across the galaxy with his rocket boots to pick me up by knocking on my window.”

She received the full VIP treatment including a tour; operating the lighting and sound desk; judging competition artwork for the programme cover; and selecting merchandise for the upcoming pantomime Cinderella which runs from December 1 to 31. Molly and her family will also attend the show on press night as part of her prize.

The youngster worked with the Hazlitt Youth Theatre giving feedback on rehearsals of Roald Dahl’s The Twits and leading the warm up for the cast of Wicked. The young actors also treated Molly to a performance they created based on her competition entry.

Martin Cleverley, general manager of the Hazlitt Theatre, said: “Molly did an amazing job, very thorough. Some of the staff did comment she’s certainly firm but fair!”

Marketing manager Michelle Woodland added: “I really do think she’s got a future in this industry. We hope to see her back in the theatre soon.”

The KM Charity Team run green travel and literacy services for schools as well as regular writing competitions throughout the year. Find out more at www.kmwalktoschool.co.uk or www.bustersbookclub.co.uk