LITERARY hopefuls from around the country gathered in the North-East for a prize-giving ceremony.

The Sid Chaplin Short Story Competition has become a sought-after accolade among aspiring writers since it was launched by Shildon Town Council in memory of the pitman author, 14 years ago.

Jonathan Tullock, who wrote The Season Ticket, which inspired the North-East film Purely Belter, announced the winners this week.

He and his wife, Shirley, addressed guests, including Mr Chaplin's widow, Rene, at the ceremony in Shildon Civic Hall.

Heather Bennett, from Guisborough, east Cleveland, won the adult section with Girl in a Red Dress, Mr C Matthews from Colburn Court, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, was runner-up, with a story entitled Number Eighteen, and Sheila Harris from Millrace Close, Darlington, came third, with The Greatest Escape.

The talent of 16-year-old David Newman won him a prize for the eighth time, this time claiming the six to 18 years catergory. His story was called The Family Gathering.

The grandparents of Adam Millward, from Bournemouth, travelled from Dorset to collect the youngster's prize for the 12 to 15 age group, for his story Roses are Red.

Francesca Edwards won the eight to 11 age group with her work, entitled The Family.