Beginning this year, The Royal Gazette’s Christmas short story competition — which has run in this newspaper for more than half a century — will be named after the late Dr Stanley Ratteray.

The following are the rules and regulations for the competition which runs from now, until Monday, December 2nd.

The judges look for vivid Bermuda-themed Christmas stories featuring unique content and correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Judges prefer entries from students to be free of violence as Christmas is a time of peace.

Entries must be typed and should not exceed 1,500 words.

Manuscripts must be submitted to The Royal Gazette, clearly marked, “Ratteray Christmas Short Story Contest”, indicating the category entered.

The competition works of creative fiction. Neither poetry nor non-fiction essays will not be accepted.

Entry is open to Bermudians or current Bermuda residents. (Entries will be accepted from Bermudians in college or living overseas).

Manuscripts may be submitted by hand in the drop-off box in the lobby of The Royal Gazette on Par-la-Ville Road or by post: ‘Christmas Short Story Contest’, The Royal Gazette, PO Box HM 1025, Hamilton HM DX. Entries can also be e-mailed to RGChristmascontest@hotmail.com .

Please include all contact details on the story itself, not just in the body of the e-mail. Please number your pages.

The full name, address and telephone number of the author must be given in every instance. You cannot win if we cannot contact you. If a student, please give the name of your school as there is a school prize this year.

Teachers: Please make sure the name, school, age of the student and contact number or email of parents are included on every entry. Judges may contact the winners during late evening when schools are closed. These details will be kept confidential.

Pen names will not be accepted. Story must be written by the name of the person on the entry.

Stories sent incomplete or received after the deadline will not be considered.

A panel of judges will decide the winning entries. Due to the high volume of submissions, The Royal Gazette staff cannot respond to telephone or e-mail inquiries once an entry is submitted. The Royal Gazette reserves the right to publish any or all of the stories submitted.