Schoolboy Matt to be star reviewer on radio (From Thisisdorset)

Schoolboy Matt to be star reviewer on radio

8:10am Thursday 27th September 2007

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A SCHOOLBOY from West Dorset will be broadcasting his thoughts on a new storybook to the nation today.

Matt Williams, 11, from Ansty, has been chosen as a listener reviewer for a book review panel on BBC Radio Five Live.

He will be making his debut performance on the Simon Mayo show at 3pm to give his verdict on the new Artemis Fowl book by Eoin Colfer.

Mum Wendy Williams said: "Matt's read all his books and I listen to Radio Five all the time, particularly the book reviews, so I knew it was coming up.

"Matt asked how to be a reviewer and we looked on the website, sent an email and got a phone call. He was interviewed by a researcher for Five Live and as a result they asked him to review the book."

The young bookworm was sent a copy of the new Artemis Fowl graphic novel a week before its release date.

Mrs Williams said: "It's very different from the other books because it's not a novel - it's a graphic novel, which is essentially a cartoon.

"But I'm not allowed to see it yet. As soon as it arrived I lost him, he didn't emerge all evening."

Matt will be going into St Mary's C of E Middle School in Puddletown as usual today but at 2.30pm he will be whisked out of class to do a telephone interview with Simon.

Headteacher Carl Winch said: "It's very exciting for the school.

"The BBC are going to call him and he's using the phone in my office for a live broadcast, then we're going to play it to the rest of the class.

"Matt's very excited. He applied for this off his own back and was successful.

"It ties in with National Book Week and the annual book fair we have at the school at the moment.

"From the school's point of view, we're really pleased and proud with what he's achieved and look forward to the broadcast."

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