ENTRIES are being sought for a North-East writing competition.

Durham County Council's A Novel Approach 2006 Enigma competition invites authors to submit their novels for judging.

Writers of any genre can submit the first chapter and the last paragraph of the novel.

For this year's competition, entrants are required to focus on the "enigma of personality".

The competition was inaugurated by Wear Valley Writers, based at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, in memory of Tom Wetherill, a founder member.

Previous winners have included Jonathon Tulloch, whose prize-winning Season Ticket was made into the successful film Purely Belter.

Last year's competition attracted 257 entrants and the closing date this year is Saturday, September 30. Entries cost £5.

The judges are authors Wendy Robertson and Anne Fine, and The Northern Echo's Sharon Griffiths.

The three prizes, sponsored by Durham County Council's culture and leisure department, are £500 for the winner, £200 for the runner-up and a £50 book token for the third placed entrant.

For details, contact Bishop Auckland Town Hall on (01388) 602610.