A SUCCESSFUL national short story competition is launched again today to give undiscovered writers a voice.

The Short Story Competition is organised by Darlington company Inscribe Media Limited, backed by The Northern Echo, communication company Orange and Darlington Arts Centre.

Designed for writers aged 17 or over, the free competition is open to anyone in Britain. The closing date is March 31.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, which attracted 550 entries from the UK and abroad, there will be a junior section for writers aged 11 to 16.

The maximum length of stories for the adult category is 3,000 words and the first prize will be £300.

Stories for the junior category must be no more than 2,000 words and winners will receive an Ottakar's book token from the Darlington store.

Full details of rules and conditions are available on The Northern Echo website at www.theshortstory.co.uk or by sending a stamped addressed envelope to John Dean, care of The Northern Echo Newsdesk, PO Box 14, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 1NF.

Leaflets will also be available at selected arts venues across the region. Regular updates will be published in The Northern Echo and on its website.

Maureen Dixon, of Orange, said: "Orange is committed to supporting literature and to promoting writing in all its forms. The success of last year's competition demonstrated the depth of talented writers both here in the region and beyond.

"This is also a great opportunity for new writers to have a go and get their ideas down on paper.

"The inclusion of a junior section will encourage writers to start short story writing, and now it means that writers of all ages can take part."

Sheelagh Caygill, new media editor for The Northern Echo, said: "We want this competition to be an established part of the North-East writing scene, giving local, national and international talent exposure. It is such a good opportunity for writers of all ages and levels of experience to produce new work or dust off a forgotten piece and, hopefully, have success."

* For tips on writing, go to www.orangelabyrinth.co.uk

Shortlist success for author Mike

MIKE WATSON secured a place on the shortlist of 14 for last year's competition.

Mr Watson, who lives in the west end of Darlington, has been writing since he was a teenager.

He has had a number of pieces published, including articles for magazines, a number dealing with his love of fishing, and has had work broadcast on radio.

His shortlisted story, Call Me Margaret, was based on a female acquaintance who was continually frustrated that people referred to her by her surname because she had been a teacher.

Mr Watson said: "Writing can be a very isolated experience, and for me, it is important that I share my work with others.

"There is no point in writing if no one reads your work. That is where the Short Story Competition came in.