People from across Staffordshire are being encouraged to enter Stafford Library's short story competition.  

Open to anyone over the age of seven, the competition will be judged by an expert panel including the Staffordshire poet laureate Scarlett Ward and the Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate Pearl Knight-Dutton.   

Stories should be no more than 1,500 words in length, family-friendly and make some reference to Stafford. 

Age categories are as follows: 

• Ages seven to 11 (three winners) 
• Ages 12 to 16 (three winners) 
• Ages 17 and above (six winners) 

Winning stories will be published in a compilation book by former Staffordshire poet laureate Mel Wardle Woodend which will be available on library shelves for visitors to enjoy. 

Staffordshire residents have until the 30th of April, to submit their stories. 

Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:

"This is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring writers of all ages to put pen to paper and get their work out there on the shelves of our libraries. 

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"There's huge creative talent in Staffordshire and we want to give it every opportunity to flourish.

"And what better time than during the National Year of Reading.   

"I'd encourage anyone with an interest in writing or who has a story to tell to send in their work."

People interested in entering should email [email protected] to request an application form.