You can break the rules when it comes to being creative, says poet, musician and comedian John Hegley, who is heading to the IW Story Festival, this February half term.

The London-born performer, of Comedy Club, the John Peel Sessions and Radio 4 fame, will be at Newport's Quay Arts on Friday, February 16.

Scroll down for a competition...!

He will be joined by collaborator and illustrator, Neal Layton and together the pair will introduce young fans to Stanley's Stick.

Not familiar? Their book is about imagination, a trip to the seaside and the idea that a stick isn't just a plain old stick, if you have the right attitude.

Maybe you saw actor Simon Pegg reading it aloud on CBeebies? Watch above, if you missed it!

"The IW Story Festival has inspired creativity and is inspiring creativity. It's mind-expanding," says John who is no stranger to the Island.

With performances at the rebooted IW Festival and at Quay Arts under his belt, he is looking forward to the IW Story Festival's 'great varied mix of workshops and performances'.

Stanley's Stick and other stories will feature "Max the Dog, because Neil did a drawing for that years ago," says John.

"Expect a lot of animals in the show".

Isle of Wight County Press: Neal Layton will be at the IW Story Festival, with John Hegley

There will be some singing, including from the audience, some movement, and a book signing at the end.

Among those joining John at the three day event, from February 15 to 17, are Horrid Henry creator, Francesca Simon; Nazneen Ahmed Pathak, author of City of Stolen Magic; Harriet Muncaster, who wrote The Magic of Isadora Moon; and Podkin One Ear's Kieran Larwood.

Stanley's Stick and other stories is suitable for anyone aged over 5 and a half. Children aged under 12 years old must be accompanied.

How to win a signed copy of Stanley's Stick, by John Hegley and illustrated by Neal Layton

Be inspired by John's breaking-the-rules limerick, and you could win a signed copy of Stanley's Stick!

John writes:

There once was a creature from space,
Who entered a three-legged race.
He was not very fast.
In fact, he came last...
Because he was a bag of oven ready chips.

Your challenge is to produce something equally creative! Finish the limerick: "There once is an Island called Wight..."

  • To enter, email competition@iwcp.co.uk and put 'limerick' in the subject.
  • All answers must be in by midnight on February 14, Ts and Cs apply, the judges' decision is final. 

How to win tickets to see John and Neal at the Isle of Wight Story Festival

To win a pair of tickets, to see John Hegley and Neal Layton at the IW Story Festival, on February 16, just tell us who the stick in their book belongs to.

  • To enter, email competition@iwcp.co.uk and put 'tickets' in the subject.
  • All answers must be in by midnight on February 9, Ts and Cs apply, winner will be drawn at random from correct answers.