A new social media app aimed at getting more young people into creative writing is about to launch in Barking.

Created by social enterprise Brighter Steppings, on Pickering Road, Storybrite allows users to read and post their own stories in 100-word chapters.

Aiming to tackle an apparent decline in writing interest among the younger generation, a team of youngsters, met each week at Dagenham Library to discuss the appearance and design, while developing their own creative abilities.

A whopping 120 people downloaded the app in its first two weeks and Brighter Steppings co-founder Seun Oshinaike was even invited to appear on satellite station the Islam Channel, to talk about the project.

He said: “Research has come out claiming young people aren’t interested in writing, but I really believe that’s just not the case - they just write in different way and through different mediums.

“It’s the first time something like this has been done which is really exciting and it’ll be a great tool for aspiring and professional writers alike and will hopefully inspire more and more people to get creative.”

Although downloadable, the app doesn’t got live until later this month and will also feature a three-word trigger tool, to help inspire anyone with writer’s block.

While the majority of the project was self-funded, Barking and Dagenham libraries have also given it their backing with £2,000 of investment.

Fourteen-year-old Aaron Sandhu-Nelson, of Rush Green Road, got involved in the social enterprise when the project began a few months ago.

Although already interested in creative writing, he admits the project has ignited a passion inside him for reading.

He said: “I’ve always like writing stories, but I used to get bored and never finish them, so this has opened up my eyes to the magic of shorter stories.

“I only used to read when my parents or teachers told me to, but through this I’ve really started it and finally finished the first Harry Potter book over the summer.”

For more information visit storybite.uk.

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