A BUDDING writer will find out later this month if she has won a major award for her skills with a pen.

Sherzah Jamal, a student at Renfrew High, has made the shortlist in the Scottish Schools’ Young Writer of the Year contest for her essay on the conservation of endangered animals.

She is one of 20 young people who could scoop the top prize of £500 when the winner is announced on Monday, January 29.

Sherzah said: “My inspiration came from an article I read in the National Geographic that made me realise how urgent the need is to do something for animals at risk.

“In my essay, I envisaged a world where half the Earth was set aside for all species as a solution to the potential extinction crisis.

“I’ll have my fingers crossed when they announce the winners at the end of the month.

“Overall, it’s been a very worthwhile and enjoyable process.”