A COUNTY DURHAM community support worker has been named as the winner of a creative writing competition.

Chrissie Robinson, who supports people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, won £1,000 for her short story, Gold Rush, in the Discover Brightwater competition backed by The Northern Echo.

Discover Brightwater is a £3.3m landscape partnership based around the River Skerne, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and made possible by those who play the National Lottery.

Writers were invited to submit short stories, poems and journalistic articles linked in some way to the river, and the finalists were included in The Brightwater Anthology, published by Paper + Ink and launched at Waterstones store in Darlington.

The Northern Echo: Discover BrightwaterDiscover Brightwater (Image: Discover Brightwater)

Chrissie was inspired to write Gold Rush after attending a creative writing course, arranged by Discover Brightwater, and delivered by celebrated poet Harry Mann.

“I couldn’t believe it when my name was read out and I’m thrilled,” said Chrissie who comes from Easington Colliery and is employed by the East Durham Trust.

“When I was at school, I was never given the direction to go into this world, but I’ve been writing stories, poetry and plays for about ten years.

“Winning this competition has given me the confirmation that my words do count, that people like what I write, and it’s inspired me to do other things.”

The four runners up, who received £100 each, were John Ridsdale, of Newton Aycliffe; Fran Edwards, originally from Darlington and now living in Redcar; Michael Drew, from West Cornforth but living in Thailand; and British sitcom writer Mark Chappell, who hails from Gloucestershire and whose credits include Cold Feet.

Paul Black, Programme Manager for Discover Brightwater, said: “The creative writing courses, competition, and anthology were all part of our celebration of life around the River Skerne, and we were delighted by the quality of the submissions that flowed in. It was a tough choice, but Chrissie is a very worthy winner.”

The anthology launch was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Jan Cossins, who said: “The River Skerne is such an important part of our area’s rich heritage and it’s great to see how Discover Brightwater has brought it to life in so many creative ways.”

The anthology, which also features contributions by Northern Echo writers, Chris Lloyd and Peter Barron, was launched at the beginning of The Big Weekend – a range of family-friendly activities organised by Discover Brightwater.