THREE budding writers have been recognised for their storytelling - as excitement hots up for Bridport Literary Festival.

In a bid to encourage local creative writers, design and print company Creeds, based in Bridport, launched a short story competition ahead of the Bridport Literary Festival.

Festival director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart took the role of judging the competition and the winners are: Riley Pattullo in the Children’s category, with ‘The Magic Fidget Spinner’, Ben Reed in the Young Adults category with ‘The Photo Album’ and Gill Barr in the Adults category with ‘Skylight’.

The three writers, along with their families, attended a prize-giving ceremony hosted by Creeds, during with Ms Bruce-Lockhart presented each of the winners with a certificate and a printed copy of their book. 

The winners also enjoyed a tour of the print factory and had the chance to ask questions and see how their books were created.

The Bridport Literary Festival will return for its 13th year on Sunday, November 5 and run until Sunday, November 12.

It promises an eclectic mix of writers of fiction and non-fiction to help banish the November glooms with something for readers of all tastes and all ages.

Organisers say the festival has gone from strength to strength and that this year's programme of events has increased substantially to attract even bigger audiences of all tastes and all ages to Bridport from all over the country to enjoy literature.

The festival will launch at Bridport Arts Centre with Billy Bragg talking about his critically acclaimed new book: Roots, Radicals and Rockers: How Skiffle Changed the World.

Creeds competition winner Gill Barr will read her winning story at a special event at 10am on Friday, November 10 at the Beach and Barnicott on South Street. 

Tickets for the event are free and are available from the Bridport Tourist Information Centre. 

Book early to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited.