A GROUP of Newton Aycliffe writers could be in line for an award after reaching the final of a national competition.

The National Association of Writing Groups has recently drawn up a shortlist of potential winners for a competition which attracts thousands of entries each year.

Four finalists have been selected in each of the categories, and an entry from Greenfield Writers, called As Writers Reign, has been selected for the Denise Robertson Trophy in the best group anthology section.

Members will find out if they have won at a gala dinner in Durham City later in the year.

The group has been meeting for more than three years at the Greenfield Community and Arts Centre in Newton Aycliffe, on Mondays, at 1.30pm.

A group spokeswoman said: "We are always looking for new members, so anyone who can spare two hours to meet with people who have an appreciation of literature, or who enjoy writing, will be made very welcome."

For details about the group call (01325) 307147 or 379048.