THE national short story competition run by The Northern Echo has taken on a continental flavour following a hook-up with a European web magazine.

Literati Magazine, which features the best of new global writing talent and is based in Italy, is backing the Short Story Competition, which is now in its second year.

The competition is organised by Inscribe Media Limited, of Darlington, and as last year, it is backed by The Northern Echo, Orange and Darlington Arts Centre.

Already promoted on The Northern Echo's website as well as several other literary sites in the UK, the link with Literati gives the contest even more exposure.

Renee Sigel, publishing editor for Literati, said: "The Short Story Competition is a worthy initiative and we are delighted at the opportunity to link up with it."

Winners of the competition will be posted on The Northern Echo website and Literati has agreed to do the same, as well as profiling the winning writers.

The top three entries will also receive free membership of Literati for a year.

The maximum length of stories in the adult category is 3,000 words and a first prize of £300 will be awarded.

In the junior category, for children aged 11 to 16, stories must be no more than 2,000 words and winners will receive a book token donated by Darlington bookstore Ottakar's.

The closing date for entries is March 31.

Full details of rules and conditions are available on The Northern Echo website at www.theshortstory.co.uk or by sending a stamped addressed envelope to John Dean, care of The Northern Echo Newsdesk, PO Box 14, Darlington, DL1 1NF.

Leaflets will also be available at selected arts venues across the region.