THREE talented young North-East writers have been presented with their prizes in the Northern Echo's short story competition.

More than 50 writers, aged between 11 and 16, entered the inaugural junior section of the national Short Story Competition, run by The Northern Echo and backed by Orange and Darlington Arts Centre.

Each one was presented with a book token donated by Darlington book shop Ottakar's at a ceremony at the arts centre.

Sixteen-year-old Amy Hornsby, of Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, was awarded first prize for her hard-hitting story about domestic violence.

Also honoured were second-placed Jane Williamson, from Darlington, and third-placed Ruth Parlour, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, both aged 15.

All three teenagers said their success had encouraged them to continue with their writing.

Maureen Dixon, Orange regional PR and sponsorship manager, who presented one of the prizes, said: "The stories in the competition were of an excellent standard."

Also presenting a prize was Dianne O'Neill, manager of Ottakar's in Darlington, who said: "We are happy to support the work of young writers."

And Sheelagh Caygill, the new media editor of The Northern Echo, who also presented a prize, said: "We are thrilled to support this competition."

The winning stories, along with those from the adult competition held at the same time, have been posted on The Northern Echo website, www.theshortstory. co.uk