The Onward Writing Competition is now accepting submissions for its second competition. The aim is to raise funds to save the Theatre Royal (pictured) in Hyde, Cheshire, through sales of an anthology of a selection of the short stories and poems entered for the competition.

The prizes awarded will be as follows: £50 First Prize, £30 Second Prize, and £20 Third Prize, with a number of extra prizes being added by Commonword (see website for details).

You can write on any subject up to a maximum of 1200 words for short stories or 40 lines for a poem, and there is an entry fee of £3 per entry, or £5 for two entries. The competition is open to anyone, from anywhere, over the age of 16; and all entries must be received by Monday, 28^th February, 2011.

You must read the rules carefully as any entry that fails to meet them will be disqualified. You can find more details, including full rules and regulations, plus details of how to submit your entry, on the website at: www.onwardwriting.co.uk