Last year's wide ranging list of entries from both categories had the judges amazed by the quality and creativity so the challenge is on for all writers plan their stories and do even better this year.

Entrants have to produce a short story to include the following phrase: "...this fascinating item from the market town of Knaresborough..." and are also asked to give a title to their story.

Volunteer organisers, Norman Evans and John Pye are keen to challenge writers of all types to have a go.

"Last year's impressive list of stories from both categories of entrants provided some stimulating reading and produced some outstanding winners," said Norman. "Our guest presenter Peter J Murray, himself a newly published author who came late to writing, praised the achievements of winners and runners up, as well as all entrants for succeeding in writing a story."

This year's guest presenter is Ian Clayton from Yorkshire. Well known to many, Ian is a writer who has worked in television. He'll be presenting the prizes of cash and book tokens and giving a talk at the special winners presentation evening on Sunday, August 16 at Henshaw's Arts and Crafts Centre, Knaresborough. Readings from the winning entries will also be read out at the event.

* There are two categories for entrants: 16 years and under (up to 1,000 words) and 17 years and above (up to 2,000 words).

Entry forms are available now from the office of the Knaresborough Post at 90, High Street, Knaresborough or you can download forms from the website at www.feva.info