A TALENTED schoolboy has contributed to a new book that is raising money to help vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nine-year-old Callum Soong put his spare time during lockdown to good use by completing a six-week creative writing course hosted by children’s author R.A. Powell.

As part of the course, he penned a story for Mr Powell’s Rainbow Writing Competition.

Now his tale, titled Rainbows from the Future, has been chosen as one of the winners.

It features in new publication Rainbows During Lockdown, which is described as the perfect bedtime storybook for primary school children.

The book celebrates the use of rainbows, as they are a symbol of hope and peace, often appearing after heavy rainfall.

Throughout lockdown, the rainbow has also been used to celebrate NHS staff and other frontline workers who have helped to keep others safe.

Mr Powell is donating his royalties from the collection of 58 rainbow-inspired stories, written by children aged between four and 15, to ICUsteps, the UK’s only intensive care patient support charity, and School-Home Support, which helps families living in poverty by ensuring their children are in school and ready to learn.

Callum said it is a dream come true to see his story included in the new book.

“I love writing,” added the youngster, whose favourite books are the Goosebumps series, by American author R. L. Stine.

“It can take you into another world and let your imagination flow through onto a piece of paper.

“I would like to say thank-you to R.A. Powell for giving me this opportunity and for allowing me to be part of this amazing book.”

Callum’s proud mum Judy is full of praise for his achievement.

She said: “He has always been into reading and writing from a young age and wants to be a published author when he is older.

“This has been a great experience for him and goes to show that, when you put in the hard work, dreams can come true.”

Rainbows During Lockdown is available online from Amazon and Waterstones, priced at £7.95.