A NATIONWIDE short-story writing competition on a misteltoe theme has been launched in a Worcestershire town.

Tenbury Wells, the town of English Mistletoe, has organised the contest as part of the annual winter festival.

The competition is sponsored by Ludlow based publisher Merlin Unwin.

Festival chairman, writer and broadcaster Jen Green said: "This is a great opportunity for established and new writers to get cracking on an unusual storyline.

"Mistletoe has an ancient past lodged in mystic history and offers a future in modern medicine."

Competition co-ordinator Wilma Hayes said she hoped the short story contest would become a regular feature of the festival.

Entries will be judged by Hampshire based author, critic and literary lecturer George Andrew.

First prize will be £200 plus £100 in books from Merlin Unwin; second prize will be £100 and £50 will be given for third prize.

Extracts from winning entries will be published at Christmas time.

Stories of between 1,800 and 2,500 words should be sent to MISTELTOE Competition, Woodgate Cottage, Bleathwood, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4LX or by e-mail to Mistletoecomp@aol.com by October 31 2006. The entry fee is £5 per story.

Further details are available from local libraries or by telephoning competition co-ordinator Wilma Hayes on 01584 711425.