THE Morrab Library in Penzance will be running its bi-annual short story writing competition for children living in Cornwall this summer.

The free to enter competition is now open for original entries written by young people aged 4 to 16.

The competition does not have a theme, to allow creativity across all genres, styles and subject matter, but stories must be written in under 1000 words and submitted before the closing date – Friday, July 11.

This year the competition will be judged by a panel of four stellar judges who are looking forward to reading and judging tales from talented young writers from all over Cornwall.

Teacher and writer Annamaria Murphy as well as double Bafta winning screenwriter, Peter Moffat, are returning to judge this year, alongside two new additions - playwright Sarah Connors, and The Morrab Library’s current Writer in Residence, editor and co-founder of Inkfish magazine, Peter McAllister.

Peter Moffat comments: “I'm thrilled to be asked back to help judge this wonderful competition. It's always a privilege to read young writers and discover new talents and ways of looking at the world."

Peter McAllister adds: “West Cornwall has a long history of artistic excellence and I’m excited to read work from our current best and brightest”.

“Stories that interest me most grab a reader from the first sentence and keep them immersed in a world, feeling or situation until the very end. I love a twist, but make my heart jump and you’ll get my vote for a winner.”

The competition is sponsored by library member Nigel Castle who has kindly donated many of the prizes.

There will be three age categories for entries: aged 4-7, aged 8-11 and aged 12-16. There is a cash prize for the top prize in each age category: £50 for aged 4-7 , £75 for aged 8-11 and £100 for aged 12-16.

Second prize in all categories is a pair of AT66 HD Binoculars donated by the competition sponsor as well as book tokens and the third prizes are book tokens.

Nigel comments: “I am honoured to sponsor this competition. Cornwall is a land of mystery, magic, legend and lore. Is it any wonder so many accomplished writers spent numerous years living in this delightful county? I wish all of the entrants the best of luck with their stories”.

Young writers can submit their entry via The Morrab Library website, by post, or in person to the Library, which can be found at Morrab Gardens in Penzance.

The entry guidelines and full terms and conditions can be found by visiting: morrablibrary.org.uk/shortstory2025