TIME is running out to enter a short story competition supported by The Northern Echo.

The national competition was launched in the region in January to champion the genre at a time when it is more difficult than ever for short story writers to have their work recognised.

More than 70 writers from all over Britain, and one or two from abroad, have so far entered the Short Story Competition, which is organised by Inscribe Media Limited, of Darlington, and backed by The Northern Echo, telecom company Orange and Darlington Arts Centre.

Designed for writers aged 17 or over, the closing date for the free competition is March 31 and there have been more than 8,000 impressions on the website created by The Northern Echo to promote the competition, for which the theme is communication.

John Dean, a director of Inscribe Media, said: "The quality of the entries so far underlines the point of the com- petition, that there are many talented writers out there whose work deserves a wider audience, but who find difficulty finding a publisher.

"The judges are going to have to make some tough decisions."

The judges are North-East writers Peter Mortimer and Wendy Robertson, and former Durham county librarian Stan Dean.

The maximum length of stories is 3,000 words, the first prize is £300 and 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 are also available at selected arts venues across the region.

* Website link: www.theshortstory.co.uk

Website link for some useful tips on writing: www.orangelabyrinth.co.uk