Bexley Grammar School pupil Sophie Morton, 14, from Welling, wrote this story

It was Christmas Eve and Phoebe Penguin was hanging up her stocking when the doorbell rang. Mrs Penguin answered it.

"Phoebe!" she called. "It's Molly and Darren!" Molly and Darren Claus were Phoebe's best friends, and the children of Santa Claus.

"What's wrong?" Phoebe asked, running to the door.

"Dad's had an accident," Molly explained.

"We're supposed to be delivering the presents instead," Darren added, "but we need help."

"Mum?" Phoebe asked, looking up at Mrs Penguin. "Can I help?"

"Go on then," she sighed. "Just wrap up warm. It's cold outside."

Five minutes later, Phoebe was sitting on the Claus' sleigh dressed in her hat and scarf. Darren was driving the reindeer while Molly sorted out the presents.

"Where first?" Phoebe asked.

"Manchester," Molly announced, holding up a large box. "Emilia Marley, 4 King Street." Darren guided the reindeer towards England, carefully settling them down on a rooftop.

"Phoebe, you can drop this one in," he smiled. Phoebe nodded, grabbed the box and jumped down the chimney. Emilia was asleep in her bed, so Phoebe left the box on the floor. Once Phoebe was back up the chimney and safely seated in the sleigh, the friends set off again.

The three sped around the world, delivering presents to the sleeping children. Phoebe dropped most of the presents down the chimneys while Darren drove and Molly sorted out the parcels.

"It's so hot," Phoebe moaned as they flew across Egypt. "I should have put sun cream on!"

Molly laughed. "Maybe there's a bottle in one of these parcels."

"Don't open them, though," Darren warned. "If someone notices, and complains ..."

"Dad loses his job." Molly finished. "I know."

"Maybe I should have stayed at home with Pippa and Paul," Phoebe moaned. Her brother and sister were too young to go out at night.

"Cheer up, Phoebs," Molly smiled. "Here, deliver this."

Eventually, the friends arrived back at the North Pole. Santa Claus was waiting for them, his arm in a sling.

"What happened?" Phoebe asked.

"I slipped on some ice while I was feeding the reindeer," Santa explained. "I'm fine now, though. Here, I've got your present inside."

"Oh, thanks, Mr Claus." Phoebe grinned as she unwrapped the parcel. "A new scarf! Wow!"

"You'd better go home now," Santa reminded her. "You can't sleep through Christmas, especially as you helped save it."