Under represented writers living in Dorset can now apply for the Bridport Prize's Chapman-Andrews bursaries.

These are for people wishing to enter the writing competition's short story and novel categories. Applications are open from today (Tuesday) until 12noon on Friday, March 19.

Kate Wilson, of the Bridport Prize, said: "We don't need proof of income, your word is good enough."

Writers can find out more about the bursaries and download the application form from the Bridport Prize website then send it to [email protected]

The Bridport Prize is one of the most prestigious international writing competitions in the literary calendar and began 48 years ago.

Passionate about discovering creative writing talent from around the world, previous winners include the novelist Kate Atkinson MBE, Kit de Waal and Kelleigh Greenberg-Jephcott. Former judges include Monica Ali, Roger McGough and Zoe Heller.

Many writers have launched their careers with the Bridport Prize and ended up on the best-sellers list.

Novelist Kate Atkinson said: "I have enormously fond memories of the Bridport Prize. It gave me one of the first affirmations that I could write. The story I wrote for the competition was the first time I felt I found that elusive thing - my 'voice'.

"Without the Bridport Prize I would probably not have found my agent and quite possibly wouldn't have written 'Behind the Scenes at the Museum' so I have a lot to be thankful to it for."

The deadline for entries in to the Bridport Prize is May 31.

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