A SHORT story competition will help commemorate a popular journalist at a Dales show next Wednesday.

Jill Neill, Richmond and Dales reporter for The Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times, lost her battle against ovarian cancer in October 2008, aged 50.

Muker Show, held on the edge of the picturesque Swaledale village, was reported on for many years by Ms Neill and became a favourite.

Last year saw an inaugural writing contest in her memory, sponsored by the D&S Times. For 2010, entrants were asked to write a short story on the theme of A Swaledale Mystery.

Ms Neill, who lived in Melsonby, between Darlington, where she was born, and her beloved Richmond, was a keen poet and short story writer in her spare time.

This year’s competition theme was set by her partner, Derran Sewell, who will also judge the entries.

He said: “I will look forward to reading the entries.”

This year’s show – the 105th – features classes for Swaledale sheep as well as fell races, produce, horticulture, wool and hay, dry stone walling, quoits, children’s races and trade stands.

Muker Silver Band will march the officials and judges onto the show field at 10am and the event ends with community singing at 5.30pm outside the Farmers’ Arms.