Best-selling author Freya North is on the judging panel for this year’s Berkhamsted Writing Competition.
The contest invites budding writers to submit a short story of no more than 500 words.
There are three categories - primary schools, which are asked to submit a story on the theme of caring for others, secondary schools, which are tasked with the subject of time is precious, and adults who can put pen to paper on a topic of their choice.
Prizes range from book tokens to the chance to secure a £500 bursary .
It costs £5 to enter, or £1 for schools, which goes to the Hospice of St Francis. The closing date for entries is March 31. For more details visit www.stfrancis.org.uk.