An eight year-old writer got a VIP look behind the scenes of a luxury hotel for penning the winning entry in a countywide competition.

Oscar Hollis of Tiger Primary School in Maidstone took the reins of the Ashford International Hotel as his prize for writing the best letter encouraging a friend to join in the walk to school.

The day’s activities included working with the sales and marketing team on an event featuring Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke and his professional dance partner Erin Boag.

Oscar also conducted an interview for a head chef position, inspected four of the hotel’s 179 bedrooms, safety-checked the gym equipment, and enjoyed a tasty lunch.

The Be the Boss contest was run by the KM Charity Team to encourage youngsters to express themselves creatively and consider the benefits of green travel.

Oscar said he was “so excited” to have won and the head chef interview was one of the things he enjoyed the most, adding: “I’m happy that I gave her the job.”

He concluded: “I had a really good day and I kept the staff on their toes!”

The KM Charity Team runs a Be the Boss writing competition every term. The latest contest requires youngsters to write an imaginative description - including the sights, sounds and smells - of a typical green journey to school.

Entries must be received by noon on Friday, March 15 and the prize is the chance to take charge of Wildwood animal park for a day. Find out more at www.KmCharityTeam.co.uk/writingcomp

The KM Charity Team’s green travel work with schools is supported by organisations including , Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Whitefriars, Whites Transport, Orbit, Volker Highways, Countrystyle Recycling, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Specsavers, Eurostar, , London Array, EduKit, and the Kent, Medway, Maidstone, Ashford and Bexley councils,

Visit www.KmWalkToSchool.co.uk/Wow