LOCKDOWN boredom ended up with a positive result for a schoolboy who is now set to become a published author.

Arnav Kassireddy is to have two of the short stories he wrote during lockdown published in anthologies featuring the work of young writers from all over the UK after entering a national competition.

The 12-year-old’s 100-word mini thriller Bio War was selected from more than 6,000 entries for the book SOS Sagas – Missing – Tales from the UK.

And his mini mystery The Desmonds’ Monstrosity, picked from more than 1,000 entries, will appear in Spine Chillers 2020 – Creepy Tales.

Ripon Grammar School student Arnav, who hopes to become a neurologist, said: “I was just writing because I was bored, and I didn’t expect both my stories would get through.

"I was really happy when I found out I’d been published.”

Budding wordsmiths were encouraged to submit mini sagas packed full of tension, atmosphere and suspense for the Young Writers challenge.

The top prize winner and four runners up from all those selected will be announced in the autumn.