THERE is only a fortnight left to enter the national short story competition run by The Northern Echo.

Orange New Voices is backed by telecommunications company Orange and Darlington Arts Centre and has attracted almost 300 entries already.

However, only a small number of junior writers have entered the category for authors aged 11 to 16.

Competition administrator John Dean said: "We know from last year that there are some terrific young writers around, and we do hope that they submit their stories before the deadline."

The other categories are for adult writers and children's writing. Writers should state the category they are entering.

Prizes totalling £2,500 are on offer and the closing date is May 31. Full details 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, County Durham DL1 1NF.