Prizes for the third Written By Me short story competition, which celebrates the creative writing talents of youngsters across Mansfield, have been awarded.

The competition, run by the Mansfield Area Partnership with support from local businesses, saw entries from pupils across the district, who submitted stories and poems covering a variety of genres.

Caroline Cox, operations manager from Mansfield 2020, judged and co-hosted the awards. She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local young people to practise their creative writing and boost their confidence.

“The competition was started three years ago after Kath Jephson, a Mansfield 2020 Board member, wanted to give local children the chance to improve their literacy skills.

“Mansfield 2020 has been able to work with the Mansfield Area Partnership and local businesses to make it happen and it has gone from strength to strength.”

Winners were: Year 7 to 9 — Olivia Slaney, of Garibaldi College. Year 10 to 11 — Lucy White, of the Brunts Academy. 16 to 18 years — Abbie Stevenson.

Abbie said: “It’s great that we have been given an opportunity like this locally.

“I would like to write more in the future and this has given me lots of confidence. I would definitely recommend people enter in the future.”

The awards were supported by the Evolve Trust, B Jephson Shopfitters Mansfield Ltd, Stopford Associates and A-Star Media.

All of the finalists received goodie bags donated by Mansfield BID and all of the stories will be published in a book, printed by Linney Group. Winners will have further opportunity to celebrate their success at a book launch later in the year.