There is still plenty of time to write a 1,000 word original story for this year’s Reigate and Banstead Writes Competition.

The annual short-story competition for local kids aged 9-14 is open for entries until 30th June. Stories are beginning to trickle in and are as wonderful, quirky and imaginative as ever.

Stuck for inspiration? Have a look at some ideas for story-starters.

Has an army of ducks invaded Priory Park?

Is the Belfry Clock sending secret signals into space?

Has a Victorian time-traveller arrived in modern day Reigate through an underground portal?

What’s the story of the strange tree on Banstead Downs?

Are spies lurking in Redhill?

Do magical creatures come out after the curtains come down at the Harlequin Theatre?

Its time to unleash your imaginations and look at where you live in a different way. Our only rules are stories must be clearly set in our area so the parks, woods and buildings of Redhill, Reigate, Merstham , Banstead and the villages in between, or clearly allude to the local area.

To see what we are looking for why not read Ella’s story, The Power of the Past which was awarded 3rd place in 2020.

Stories can be posted or handed in to The Warwick School, Redhill marked FAO of Kay Hymas, or emailed to

reigateandbansteadwrites@gmail.com

Reigate and Banstead Writes is the brainchild of Kay Hymas. Since 2017 just under 1,500 local kids have entered the annual short-story competition. The website also provides local cultural news and a regular review blog.