Writer receives The Cheshire Prize for Literature from honorary graduate Tony Robinson

Catherine Jones, from Stockport, took the £2,000 prize for her short story for children entitled A Wisp of Green Smoke. She was presented with her award by Tony Robinson.

As the winner of the competition, sponsored by Chester-based Bank of America, Catherine said it was a 'huge surprise'. Catherine works as a local authority Conservation Officer responsible for the listed buildings and conservation in Tameside.

She said: “It’s still sinking in. I have enjoyed writing all my life but I’ve only recently had time to pursue it properly. This is only the second writing competition I’ve entered so I’m delighted with the result.

“I’m hoping this is the start of something new which will open doors for me. I had lots of good feedback which is very encouraging.

“It was a weird and surreal feeling to hear Tony Robinson read out my words. I was absolutely chuffed to bits.”

Tony Robinson presented the awards the night before he received an honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to fostering the public understanding of archaeology and national heritage.

John Greaves, Communications executive for Bank of America Europe Card Services, said: “Our congratulations go to everyone shortlisted for this year’s Prize and particularly to Catherine for her winning entry. We are delighted to support the Cheshire Prize for Literature as it celebrates the creative talent we have in this region and gives aspiring writers like Catherine the chance to have their work published.”

Four writers were highly commended for their work: Angela Topping from Northwich for her poem Maggoty Johnson (the only poem to be highly commended); The Pirate by Ingrid Dean of Alderley Edge; The Day that Grief Came to Stay by Barbara Holliday from Little Sutton and short story The Hoodie by Gabrielle Pearson from Chester.

One of the judging panel, children’s author Toby Forward, also had reason to celebrate after discovering he had been long-listed for the Carnegie Medal which is awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children.

Competition judge Jaki Brien, Senior Lecturer at the University, said: “The evening was thoroughly enjoyable and we were delighted by the standard of entries. It was fantastic to have Tony Robinson there to meet the writers and read out their work.”

Now in its ninth year, The Cheshire Prize for Literature has become established as one of the North West’s leading writing competitions. Organised by the University of Chester and sponsored by Bank of America Europe Card Services, the competition is open, not only to individuals who live in Cheshire, but also to those who have other connections with the county.

The prize was awarded for an original and previously unpublished piece of writing for children and the entry may be in prose or verse. The prose could not exceed 1,500 words and the verse entry must not exceed 100 lines. The intended readership was for seven to 14-year-old children.

A collection of some of the contributors work will be published by the University of Chester Press.