Caithness children presented with story writing awards at indie book festival in Helmsdale
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A NUMBER of Caithness children who won a story writing competition run in conjunction with a book festival have been presented with their awards.
Handsome wooden trophies and certificates were handed over on the final day of Scotland’s Indie Book Festival, which took place at Helmsdale over the weekend.
The independent book festival was founded by Thurso based authors Glyn Salisbury and Carolyn Bilyard last year, when it was held at the Norseman Hotel, Thurso.
It celebrates indie books - books that have either been self-published or published by an independent press.
Some 16 authors attended the three-day festival which ran at Othin House from Friday to Sunday, September 8-10. Most were from the far north, although two travelled from Orkney and one from Bath.
Among the events held were workshops, readings and book launches as well as competitions, book sales tables and a raffle.
Working through local schools, festival organisers invited pupils to submit a story on any theme and of either 250, 500 or 750 words long.
Around 60 entries were received and were narrowed down to the top three in three categories, ages 7-8; 9-10; and 11-12.
The short-listed entries were read out and judged by authors Anne-Marie Jones, David Munro and Paula RC Readman at an end of festival awards event on Sunday evening. Winners who were present at the event, were then presented with their trophies.
Afterwards author Mr Munro said he had been very impressed by the calibre of entries from the youngsters.
Mr Salisbury said it had been a hugely successful festival and that next year’s event would again be held at Othin house. It is also intended to hold a one-day book fair at Othin House on November 18.
Children's competition results:
7-8 years
1 Isaac Costin, Golspie
2 Reese Sutherland, Wick
3 Chantelle Miller, Castletown
9-10 years
1 Connor Crossley, Watten
2 Paige Stoneman, Castletown
3 Katie Ross, Castletown
11-12 years
1 Jack Robertson, Castletown
2 Oliver Currums, Castletown
3 Larissa McPhee, Castletown
Adult competition results:
1 Joanna Mansfield
2 Susan Andrews
3 Joshua Hook
