ISLE of Wight charity, Sight for Wight, is running its short story writing competition again this year, following a slew of high-quality entries submitted previously.

This will be the charity's fifth year running the competition, and celebrity readers will include comedian Jo Brand, singer Edana Minghella, actor Melvyn Hayes and screenwriter and playwright Ray Allen.

Chris Cane, marketing and communications manager, said: "With more than 6,500 living on the Island with a visual impairment, to support our services, we run several events every year, raising vital funds.

"But with the summer lockdown, all of our 2020 events were cancelled.

"The simple fact is, raising money during these unprecedented times is very difficult, however, we were determined to launch our short story writing competition again.

"It's always an exciting opportunity for budding Island writers to become published authors and win some great prizes from very talented people, and it’s open to anyone who would like to enter.

"We want people’s imaginations to run wild so this year’s theme is ‘the wish’, which doesn’t have to have a Christmas theme.

"I’m looking forward to reading some fantastic stories which, I’m sure, will give our mystery judges a very difficult task this year."

The closing date for the competition is Friday, November 13, at 4pm.

The winners will be announced on Monday, December 7, at a virtual award ceremony.

The U12s category winner will have their story printed in the County Press, and certificates will be awarded to all winners.

The other category winners will have their stories published online.

Entry forms are available from Dress for Less, 114 St James’ Street, Newport, PO30 5HB.

You can also download an entry form from www.sightforwight.org.uk

For more information, call 01983 522205 or email enquiries@iwsb.org.uk