THE Academy of Children's Writers are pleased to announce their 27th annual 'Write a Story for Children Competition.'

For 26 years this has been recognised as the most prestigious competition for unpublished writers of children's books in the UK.

The first prize in 2012 will be a cheque for £2,000, with second and third prizes of £300 and £200, respectively.

Entries may either be short stories of up to 2,000 words or the opening 2,000 words of a longer story or novel.

Closing date for entries is March 31. Details of winners will be sent to all entrants by the end of May.

Entry forms, together with further details, are available from:

• or from: Write a Story for Children Competition, Academy of Children's Writers, PO Box 95, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 5RL, on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope.

Last year's winners were: first prize - Jon Cartwright (New York); second prize -Neil Bonnar (Manchester); third prize - Elizabeth Lister (Stoke-on-Trent).