TEENAGERS are being given a good reason to tell tales with New Forest District Council's first young writer's competition.

Thirteen to 19-year-olds need to come up with short stories for the council's Write on your Doorstep competition in conjunction with Ottakars bookshop in Lymington.

Budding young scribes have four headings to choose from: The Curse, The Kiss, The Challenge and The Journey.

Entries should be between 750 and 1,000 words.

Writers can submit more than one piece. The top prize will be £100 in book vouchers and the winning story will be published in the council's newsletter. Winners in two age groups, 13-16 and 17-19,will receive their prizes at an awards ceremony in May.

David Atwill, head of communications at NFDC, said: "We want young people in the Forest to dazzle us with their ideas.

Entries should be sent with entrant's name, age and school by e-mail to youth@nfdc.gov.uk or by post to: Write on your Doorstep, Communications, New Forest District Council, Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA.

Closing date for entries is May 16.