Do you live, work or receive full time education in Gateshead? If so, the Council are inviting you to reach for the stars with this short story competition. As 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, the competition takes the title 'Reach for the Stars' which you can interpret as you wish.

The closing date is noon on Monday 9 March 2009. Winning entries will be published on Gateshead Council's website and will be available in all Gateshead libraries.

There are also cash prizes for the winners: 11 years and under: 1st prize £50 / 2nd prize £35 / 3rd prize £15

12 - 18 years: 1st prize £75 / 2nd prize £50 / 3rd prize £25

Over 18 years 1st prize £150 / 2nd prize £100 / 3rd prize £75.

 For more info, or to enter, send a copy of your story to dorothycameron@gateshead.gov.uk you should also include your name, address, postcode, telephone number, email address, age on 9 March 2009 (if 18 or under), school currently attended and title of work submitted. This information should not be written on the story itself, and the story should not have been published or read on television, radio or stage. This competition is not open to Gateshead Council employees.