KEEN young spellers a-m-a-z-e-d judges and crowds at Centaur Public School for the North Coast Regional final of the Premier's Spelling Bee yesterday.

About 80 students ranging from years three to six from 21 schools fronted the microphone and video camera for their shot at spelling stardom.

Many eyes were on home-grown student, Centaur Public School captain Sierra Morabito, who went on to finish runner-up in the senior division of the regionals.

The 11-year-old said spelling came naturally to an avid reader such as herself.

“I love reading every day, fantasy books are my fav- ourite,” the Year 6 student said. “I can't pick a favourite book because I have too many.”

Sierra said she was able to memorise difficult words by creating acronyms for them.

“It makes them fun and easier to remember,” she said.

Fellow Centaur pupil Lynise Cassidy, 10, said she enjoyed spelling for the challenge.

“It can be hard, but that's why it's so much fun,” the Year 5 student said.

Samuel Walters, 10, and Veronika Kosmider, 12, travelled from Rukenvale Public School in the Kyogle shire to compete.

“These spelling bees are a lot of fun, it's a good feeling to be a good speller,” Samuel said.

The Premier's Spelling Bee encourages students from government schools across New South Wales to focus their spelling in a fun and competitive format.

It was first launched in 2004 and has attracted record numbers ever since.

More than 88,000 students signed up this year.

Spellers were from pub- lic schools including Banora Point, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Kingscliff and Terranora.

Junior winner was Brad Smith, of Ocean Shores Public School, runner up was previous State finalist Brodie Luc, from Banora Point Public School.

Michael Krippner of Bangalow Public School won the senior division.

The winners will proceed to the State finals in November.