WRITERS who bridged the age gap to appeal to readers of all ages were named winners of an annual literary competition yesterday.

Judges searching for a Crossover Novel, one written for children that could also be enjoyed by adults, named two winners - Louise Gallagher, of Kirby Londsdale, Cumbria, and Ellen Phethean, from Newcastle.

The third place was shared by Jude Elgey, of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, and Daithidh MacEochaidh, from Wales.

The competition, based at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, wa set up by Wear Valley Writers in memory of founder member Tom Wetherill.

Bishop Auckland author Wendy Robertson, who chaired a judging panel made up of novelist Elizabeth Gill and Northern Echo columnist Sharon Griffiths, said: "It is a very challenging field."