The winner of a children’s creative writing competition is due to be announced this week.

The DOMVS' Story House Children’s Writing Prize is an annual creative writing competition which celebrates the literary talent of young minds aged 5 to 12 in Dorset.

Academy and Emmy Award winner Lord Julian Fellowes works with Dorset estate agency DOMVS to run the competition which has received the highest number of entries for the competition since it began five years ago.

Polly Greenway, CEO of DOMVS, said: “We are great supporters of literary arts and creative writing, and the competition is an exciting opportunity to encourage young minds to explore their imagination, sharpen their writing skills, and be recognised amongst some of the area’s brightest talent.”

Students are encouraged to submit hand-written short stories in English based on a prompt provided by Lord Fellowes.

This year’s line was: “I always thought of Alison as my best friend until the day I discovered she disliked me.”

All entrants are invited to attend the awards ceremony with a family member, held on Thursday, January 18 at Shire Hall, Dorchester

The winner, runner-up and a highly commended entrant will be announced and honoured with certificates and prizes. The competition will be judged and awarded by Lord & Lady Fellowes.

Lord Fellowes added: “The fact is, we regard literacy as one of the major keys to fulfilment and achievement in later life for these children. The Story House competition not only acknowledges individual achievements, it also inspires the entire community to appreciate and support the budding talents of Dorset's young storytellers, who are our literary stars of tomorrow.”

Participation in the Story House competition is open to schools across Dorset. Entries for next year’s competition will open in September 2024.