Writers are celebrating their nominations for the Hall & Woodhouse Dorchester Literary Prize.

The longlist for the literary contest has been announced and it features Gail Aldwin of Dorchester and Brent Shore of Tolpuddle among the six nominees.

The Dorchester Literary Festival is due to be held in October and promises talks from the likes of BBC presenter Kate Humble and former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson.

Paul Atterbury, who runs the festival together with Janet Gleeson, said: “In a world currently dominated by postponements and cancellations, we’re pleased that we’ve been able to keep the prize going.

“And as always we are grateful to Hall & Woodhouse for their continued sponsorship. Now in its third year, the prize attracted entries which were, if anything, more diverse than ever, and it’s great to see so much talent still flourishing around us.

“Getting the books to and from our wonderful - but widely scattered - team of 15 readers was a challenge during lockdown. However, their valiant efforts have produced this list, which will now go through to the short-list stage of three authors, to be announced in August.”

The prize ceremony, where the winner will be awarded £1,000, is currently scheduled for October 5 and will be held at the Duchess of Cornwall in Poundbury.

“Although, of course everything is a moveable feast at present,” says Paul. “We’re still very much working towards the literary festival taking place, and will do all we can to ensure it’s a safe environment for everyone.”

The long-listed authors are, in alphabetical order; Gail Aldwin of Dorchester for The String Games; Helen Baggott of Sturminster Newton for Posted in the Past; Ann Biggins of Fordingbridge for Losing Jane; Viv Endecott of Lytchett Matravers for Exploring Englishness; Cathie Hartigan of Exeter for Notes from the Lost and Brent Shore of Tolpuddle for Blessed are the Meek.