A KILWINNING youngster has earned the chance to perform on the national stage.

It comes after St Winning's Primary School kid Havana McNaughton earned her way into the final of a joke telling competition which is being run right across Scotland.

The primary one pupil is now set to deliver her punchline at the Scottish Parliament following her regional success in the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ (RCSLT) VoiceBox joke competition.

The contest, which ran in primary schools nationwide, designed to shine a spotlight on the crucial role communication plays in a child’s development.

Havana impressed local judges with her joke that was graded on originality, delivery and its punchline - to be crowned North Ayrshire's winner and therefore representative in the national final on June 6.

As a result of her victory, Havana has already won £100 worth of Harper Collins books and will have the chance to win even more at the grand final which will be hosted by Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, with Zara Janjua, a BBC journalist and comedian.

Top prizes are on offer, from competition sponsor Collins Big Cat, with top place winning £500’s worth of books from the sponsor for their school - and second and third place earning £200 worth of books from the company.

The top three winners will also receive a £100 toy gift card to add to their prizes.

Glenn Carter, a spokesperson for the event, said: "It's great to see our local winners move on to the final of VoiceBox.

"This competition isn't just about making people laugh; it's about showing how important good speaking skills are for success in school and later in life.

"VoiceBox shows how valuable it is for kids to learn how to communicate well. Helping them now sets them up for a better future."

Lizzi Jones, Head of Sales and Marketing for Scotland from HarperCollins Publishers, added: "We are delighted to support the development of children’s communication skills through VoiceBox and the message that it is spreading.

"We believe that this will help improve children’s literacy and comprehension abilities through the enjoyment of telling a joke.”