competition.

The top writers in the adult category are, in order of finish, Ms Catherine West of Paget for her story, Second Chances, and Ms Betty Azzarrio of Southampton for her story, My Style.

Top writers in the under-18 category, in order of finish, are Miss Kathleen Ardis of St. David's for her story, Christmas Spirits, and Miss Michelle Outerbridge of Smith's for her story, The Evil Elf Twins. Miss Ardis won the Under-18 category last year.

Special incentive prizes will be awarded to Dr. Corliss Furbert of Hamilton Parish and Miss Robyn Skinner.

Close to 250 entries were received and reviewed by a panel of judges, who described the large number of entries as promising in terms of the numbers of aspiring young writers.

Ms West's tale revolves around a Bermudian returning home for the holidays to face his estranged parents and an old flame, while Ms Ardis told of an angel assigned to help an alcoholic ex-postman.

A special section reprinting the stories of the winners and other top finishers will appear in our Christmas Eve edition.

The winners are to receive their cash prizes at a ceremony on Monday, December 20 at The Royal Gazette .