Tenth Annual Creative Writing Competition for Children and Young People of Nottinghamshire

Ten years ago New Writers UK introduced an annual creative writing competition for children and young people of Nottinghamshire. It was designed to encourage literacy and imagination and was for individual children of all abilities. The competition is free to enter and finalists are awarded prizes and their stories and poems are edited, polished and published - the finalists are then presented with a free copy of the published collection at a civic ceremony. This children to develop self-confidence and encourages them to draw their imaginative thoughts from their heads and onto that daunting empty page or computer screen.

Over the years hundreds of children have entered the competition and the finalists are awarded prizes - book vouchers - medals - shields - certificates and their entries are edited, polished and the collection of short stories and poems are published in book form. They are then presented with a copy of the book at a civic ceremony; as we do not believe that children should have to pay for achievement, and they love this event that celebrates their talents.

Any funding we receive in connection with this competition goes directly to awards - book vouchers - medals - shields - certificates, and to the publishing of the collection of the short stories and poems by finalists. Last year we had 39 finalists. As organiser and administrator of the competition, I can confirm that anyone involved in the processing of the competition e.g. correspondence, scoring, communication, shortlisting and judging gives their time, experience and judgement entirely voluntarily.

This year, with the cuts in community funding , New Writers UK is asking for your help to allow us to continue running this wonderful competition