BUDDING writers are encouraged to enter a new literary contest being launched in Crewe this year.

The town council is working on a literature themed event, titled Telling Tales – Mystery, Myth and Magic, planned for June 20 and 21.

As part of the programme the council is launching what it hopes will be an annual competition.

Cllr Pam Minshall said: “I am proud to be taking the lead on this for the town council, encouraging young and old to write and think about literature can only be beneficial.

“I am looking forward to the judges being swamped with entries.”

Cllr Joy Bratherton added: “In the longer term we hope that Telling Tales will provide a legacy and that each year we are in a position to enjoy the best of creative Crewe, so let’s get writing those tales of myth, magic and mystery.”

Anyone wishing to enter the competition is encouraged to start writing now, as the deadline for entries is 6pm on May 20.

A prize of £100 and a certificate from the mayor will be awarded to the winners in each of the following categories:

Over 18 (on April 1 2014) – Maximum 2,000 words. 

Students in further or higher education - Maximum 1,000 words. 

Year six to 11 students – Maximum 500 words. 

In addition, prizewinners and other notable contributing authors will be invited to read from their stories at an event being planned as part of the festival.

It may also be possible that a selection of entries will be compiled into a book. As such, entries are preferred in an electronic format.

Send entries to steve.mcquade@crewetowncouncil.gov.uk