AMATEUR writers turned out in force to show off their talents in a short story competition.

More than 400 people entered the annual Sid Chaplin Short Story contest, making it the biggest ever turn out in its 16-year history.

Ed Turley, from Wolsingham, was chosen as the winner of the event, organised by Shildon Town Council.

Mr Turley, whose story was about an Irish family rallying around their grandmother, said that his success was due to his time with the Wear Valley Writers Group.

He said: "I owe a lot to the Wear Valley Writers group and the support I have had from Wendy Robertson.

"She is very encouraging and supportive in whatever I write. I am pleased to win and it has been down to her encouragement.''

Runner-up in the adult section was Eileen Jennison, from Bishop Auckland. She is also a member of the Wear Valley Writers Group.

Ms Jennison brought along her own fan club of ten and 11-year-olds, to whom she teaches English at Greenfield Arts and Community College.

The pupils also entered the competition.

She said: "I am very pleased that Ed won because we are from the same writing group.''

Winner of the under-ten section, Thomas Cowper, ten, from Shildon, impressed judges Gillian Wales and Elizabeth Gill.

Special praise was also given to Laura Brown , winner of the under-15s section competition, and Stacey Dixon, 12, who took the under-12s prize with a story that combined magic with the Second World War.

Stacey, who attends Bishop Barrington School in Bishop Auckland, said: "I have always had an interest in the Second World War and magic, and I enjoyed writing this.''