CHILDREN and young people are being encouraged to take part in a writing competition for a chance to win books.

The entrants for the St Helens Libraries Creative Writing Competition 2017, who must live or go to school in St Helens, are being asked to write a short story of no more than 500 words about a superhero, who can be from a cartoon, film or even made up.

They can choose from one of the six story starters found on the entry form to start their tale and comic and graphic novel style drawings can be used to compliment the story, but are not essential.

For inspiration, St Helens Libraries' recommend looking at their online comics, which can be accessed with a St Helens library card and visiting bit.ly/STHComics

Prizes will be awarded for both Primary and Secondary

The first prize is a £35 book token and £75 worth of books for the winners school library.

Second place will get a £25 book token and £60 worth of books for their school and third place will receive a £15 book token and £40 worth of books for their school.

Call in to any library in St Helens to collect an entry form which can be returned to any St Helens Library, the Schools Library Service, or by email to karenthornburn@sthelens.gov.uk.

The deadline for entries is Saturday February 18 and entries should include a name, age, address and school.