Frisby word whiz Luke bids to become '˜Top Banana'

Schoolboy Luke Nicholls is bidding to become the '˜Top Banana' after reaching the final of a national competition for word wizards.
Luke Nicholls (11), has reached the live grand final of the Bananagrams Challenge 
PHOTO: SuppliedLuke Nicholls (11), has reached the live grand final of the Bananagrams Challenge 
PHOTO: Supplied
Luke Nicholls (11), has reached the live grand final of the Bananagrams Challenge PHOTO: Supplied

The eleven-year-old who attends Frisby Primary School is one of 12 finalists of the Bananagrams Challenge.

The popular game, in which youngsters have to re-arrange letters to make as many words as they can, is used by schools to improve literacy skills.

Luke secured a place in the grand final - to be hosted at the Magic Circle in London later this month - after beating 25,000 primary school pupils, first against his own classmates, and then rivals from other schools in a series of online contests.

Luke said: “I am very excited about the final in London and have been practising lots to prepare.”

If he triumphs as the ‘Top Banana’ in the final on Saturday he will win a trophy, a Bananagrams goody bag and £1,000 for his school presented by the inventor of the anagram game, Rena Nathanson.

Luke’s teacher, Mr Wright, said: “The pupils were playing in their own time at break, lunch, before and after school and the matches attracted lots of spectators.

“The final was extremely close but eventually Luke was crowned our champion and we are very proud he is representing us in London.”

Related topics: