ENCHANTING tales were celebrated at Sight for Wight's fourth Short Story Writing Competition award ceremony.

Approximately 150 people attended the ceremony, held at the Riverside Centre, Newport, to find out who the 25 winners were and enjoy an evening of entertainment from the Medina Community Choir and Huxley the magician.

Miriam Tong, the charity's chief executive, opened the event and Chris Cane, the marketing, communications and fundraising manager, was the master of ceremonies.

The under 12’s category winner was Ben Fry with his story, Christmas Joy, recorded by actor Melvyn Hayes.

An additional prize was given to the youngest entrant, Adam Kirby, six, who also had his story, Christmas Present recorded by the actor. Adam was unable to attend the ceremony.

The 12 to 17 years category winner was Ella Brear with her story, The Sound of Christmas, recorded by Wave 105 presenter, Kate Weston.

The highly commended category winner was Dr Marguerite Howick with her story, In The Blink Of An Eye, recorded by Edana Minghella.

The 18-plus category winner was Roy Perry with his story, Silent Nights, recorded by actor and voice-over artist, Michael Maloney. Roy was unable to attend the evening.

All category winners have been invited to join the team at Vectis Radio to be interviewed on air.

The 12 to 17 years and 18-plus categories will have their stories published on iwsb.org.uk

Chris, who organised the competition, said: “We were extremely honoured to have Melvyn Hayes, Michael Maloney, Edana Minghella and Kate Weston read for us this year, so a huge thanks to them for their help and support.

"A special mention must go to Melvyn, who came to the ceremony with his wife, Jayne, to hand out some of the prizes, and also to guests Gioia Minghella-Giddens and John Harden.

"I would also like to extend thanks to the Medina Community Choir and Huxley the magician for providing entertainment and festive cheer to our audience.

"It is so generous of our celebrity readers, entertainers, staff and volunteers who all gave up their time to support Sight for Wight with this year’s ceremony.

"A final thanks must go to the entrants who took the time and trouble to enter this year’s competition and our sponsors ASDA, Busy Bee, Chale Parish Council, Margaret Dilley, Dinosaur Isle, The Entertainer, Janice Ferguson, Garlic Farm, John Gillen, Isle of Wight College Restaurant, Morrison’s in Newport, Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, Red Funnel, Sandham Office Services, Tapnell Farm, Tesco, Noel Turner-Brooks, Ventnor Botanic Garden, Waitrose, Waterstones, Wight Computers, Wight Mouse Inn, and Wightlink."

Sight for Wight raised £657.

Christmas Joy by Ben Fry

Snow is falling

Chapter 1

I woke up, still half asleep. I heard the most beautiful sound: snow gently falling. As quickly as I could, I got out and I let the frost calm my ears. I could hear that Christmas was coming. Not ear-splitting screaming noises. I could feel and hear the Christmas carols going round houses one by one. It was beautiful. This is what snow is all about.

Present opening

Chapter 2

I could not wait for the joy of the kids opening their presents. It was time, I could hear the unwrapping of the presents. Candles were getting lit. Parents were crying with joy. The joy of everyone filled me with love and warmth.

Bells are ringing

Chapter 3

It was Christmas day, the very best day of the year. Everyone was up early. I could hear bells knocking against each other. I could hear everything to do with Christmas. The bells were like music line no other. It was beautiful and candles were bringing warmth to my soul.