Creative writing talent celebrated at Cheshire Prize for Literature awards

Now in its 22nd year, the prestigious competition celebrates writers with a connection to Cheshire and has become an important platform for emerging and established literary talent. This year’s awards attracted an impressive 734 entries, with more than 200 guests attending the ceremony held at the University of Chester’s School of Education building on the Exton Park campus. 

The evening was introduced by Professor David McGravie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and hosted by Dr Harry Parkin, Senior Lecturer in English Language, one of the competition’s judges. The event recognised winners across primary, secondary and adult categories, including poetry, short story, children’s literature, flash fiction and scriptwriting. 

Guests also heard from acclaimed author Ele Fountain, whose award-winning novels include Boy 87, Lost, Fake, Wild and Storm Child. Drawing on her extensive experience in publishing and writing, Ele shared insights into her career and the inspiration behind her work. The awards were presented by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Lynn Pegler. 

Dr Harry Parkin said: “The Cheshire Prize for Literature continues to go from strength-to-strength and receiving 734 entries this year is a remarkable achievement. The quality of writing across all categories was exceptional, making the judging process both rewarding and incredibly challenging. 

“What stood out most was the creativity, imagination and originality shown by writers of all ages. From young people taking their first steps in creative writing to experienced authors refining their craft, the standard was outstanding and reflects the vibrant literary culture we have in Cheshire. 

“We are also extremely grateful to Ele Fountain for sharing her experiences and insights with our guests. Her talk was both inspiring and thought-provoking and a wonderful addition to the awards evening.” 

The evening also marked the forthcoming launch of the Cheshire Prize Anthology, which will be published by University of Chester Press and launched in November, showcasing a selection of the competition’s winning and shortlisted work. 

The Cheshire Prize for Literature will reopen for entries in November 2026. 

The winners were:

Primary Poetry 

Winner 

• Livvy Alexander – Our Teacher’s Detention 

Anthology 

• Amire Edge – Russian Doll 

• Anya Carter – Eating Toast 

Primary Short Story 

Winner 

• Cara Simnett – Predators and Prey 

Anthology 

• Jacob Frost – Such a Ruined Life 

• Nancy Lewis – The Mystery of the Sparkly Bracelet 

Secondary Poetry 

Winner 

• Ethan Tinarwo – Hourglass 

Anthology 

• Sophie Naughton – Summer Evenings 

• Isabella Kyle – Ode to Travel 

• Scarlett Greensmith – Chained 

Secondary Short Story 

Winner 

• Vanessa Kwok – Count to Three 

Anthology 

• Saoirse Considine – The Final Meeting Place 

• Freya Graham – The Talking Dog 

• Tomos Bedoya – Shortcuts 

Adult Children’s Literature 

Winner 

• Carol Howard – Family Mouse 

Anthology 

• Susan Hoffmann – Llewellyn the Last 

• Yvonne Oliver – Star and the Lion 

• Colin Robinson – The Lady’s Slipper Orchard 

Flash Fiction 

Winner 

• John Paul Davies – Does Bublé Dream of Electric Sheep 

Anthology 

• Harry Turnbull – Rest in Peace 

• Jeremy Nelson – Snowblind 

• Chris Cottom – You Say it’s a Trial Run, Moving into My Cottage, That You’re Not Sure I’m Ready 

Adult Poetry 

Winner 

• Geoff Logan – We Feel in the Same Language 

Anthology 

• Sarah Leavesley – Shirato no Taki (‘The Waterfall of White Thread’) 

• Christopher Driver – The Wooden Pillow 

• Roy Gaunt – The Ghost of the Last Wolf, Crying 

• Elena Croioru-Reed – The Bathing Hour 

• Andrew Kendall – Deva Partita 

• Gareth Williams – The Case of Humpty Dumpty 

• Sian Hughes – Vinyl 

Scriptwriting 

Winner 

• Andrew Hayward – Time Discrepancy Review 

Anthology 

• Gemma Parry-Paxton – Kitty and Ghengis 

• Welton B. Marshland – Fan Fiction 

• Justin Hughes – I’ll Do What I Can 

Adult Short Story 

Winner 

• Margaret Harper – A Time to Weep 

Anthology 

• Eileen O’Reilly – Hubris 

• Sarah Ganczarski – Deformity 

• Die Booth – Stepsister Shoes 

• Eve Naden – Midnight Train to Crewe 

• Emily Jayne – Boy Who Dreamed