YOUNG writers aged 18-24 are invited to apply for a week’s residency this summer at Thomas Hardy's home at Max Gate in Dorchester.

The Young Writer in Residence scheme provides a unique opportunity for young writers, published or unpublished, to apply for the week which is designed to nurture their own talent and share their creativity with others. The successful applicant will be mentored by a published writer and help write and create writing workshops for children.

Dr Faysal Mikdadi, the academic director of the Thomas Hardy Society, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring young writer to have the time and space to reflect on his/her own practice through mentoring others. Helping others to engage with their creative and artistic urge often prompts the mentor’s own thoughts. There will also be the added advantage of spending time soaking up Thomas Hardy’s associations with Max Gate with its evocative and atmospheric echoes of the past.”

Writers should send up to three samples of their work by July 15 to Rebecca.paveley@nationaltrust.org. Short interviews will be held on July 22 and the residency will take place in early August.

The residency is an innovative new scheme which builds on the success of the National Trust’s Thomas Hardy Young Poetry Prize.

More information can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk/max-gate