A SIXTH-FORMER is encouraging young writers to sign up for Oxfordshire Library Service’s 2019 short story competition.

Burford School student Phoebe Haywood won the young adult category last time with an examination of life’s difficulties, based in a pub.

The Glass is Never Half Full has since gone on to be issued more than 100 times, winning it a place in the county’s top five most issued eBooks since its publication on April 30.

Entry to the 2019 short story competition is now open and closes on February 28. The young adult category is open to entrants aged between 11 and 17 - Year 7 upwards - with an adult category for those aged 18 and upwards.

Now in its fifth year, the competition showcases talented new writers in the county by making their stories available for any library user to read for free on the Overdrive eBook service – an online extension of the county’s network of more than 40 libraries.

It’s part of the council’s commitment to thriving communities – helping people live safe, healthy lives and play an active part in their community.

Phoebe, 17, said: “It was a massive honour to win the last competition. I know there must have been some fantastic stories so this really validated my work.

“It’s really good that it provides people with a platform to get their work out there. Even if you don’t win it’s certainly giving you some encouragement to write.”

The teenager is studying for A-Levels and hopes to take a degree in English and Classics at Oxford University. Visit oxfordshire.gov.uk to find out more.