WRITERS with a flair for short stories have been rewarded for their way with words at an annual book festival.

Finalists in this year's Ryedale Book Festival Short Story Competition 2018 were invited to a prize-giving ceremony in Malton's Talbot Hotel, where author and columnist Chris Power judged the overall winners.

More than 130 entries were submitted in the Short Story category, with a panel of three judges making a shortlist of ten finalists for Mr Power to ultimately decided who would take home the prizes.

First place went to Aoife Inman with Route of Flight; second prize was awarded to Tom Bryan with Where There are Ghost Bears; and third prize was given to Paul B Cohen for Tea and Biscuits.

Head judge Mr Power said: “I thoroughly enjoyed judging the Ryedale Short Story Prize, the great response to which showed the passions that the form can excite. I wish all the shortlisted authors the best for their writing in the future."

The ten finalist’s short stories have been published in a book by Blackthorn Press and are widely available in libraries and bookshops in Ryedale.