A FORMER journalist who turned her hand to writing murder mysteries has had her business shortlisted for two awards.

Sara West, who writes all her scripts from her home in Gainford village, Teesdale, set up Tall Tales Mysteries after a career in journalism including time at The Northern Echo.

The mum watches her scripts come to life with a band of actors who perform to groups all across the region.

Two teams currently cover events from as far north as Newcastle to as far south as North Yorkshire. And now the company has been shortlisted for Best Creative Business in the WIN Awards 2018.

The awards recognise women in business in the North-East.

The team will find out if they have been successful at an awards ceremony in Newcastle next month.

It is the second Best Creative Business Award the team has been shortlisted for as they are also due to find out if they have secured the accolade in the Rural Business Awards next week.

Mrs West said: "It's very exciting. I entered because we have these amazing teams of actors who put in so much effort so it's to recognise them."

For more information visit talltalesmysteries.com