The Born & Read in Norfolk campaign celebrates 2026 as the Year of Reading, championing creativity and a lifelong love of books for readers of all ages.

Supported by headline sponsor RWE, sponsor YouGarden, and partner National Centre for Writing, the initiative is dedicated to inspiring imagination and storytelling for many years to come.

The short story competition is now open, and entrants in the four age categories are challenged to finish a story that has already begun, creating their own unique ending inspired by a specially written opening.

The competition has four age categories, with extended beginnings to build on the narrative for older entrants (Image: Getty)

While every writer starts from the same point, the ending is entirely up to them – and the most inventive, exciting and original entries will be selected for publication in the magazine.

Parents, teachers and carers are encouraged to get involved – whether that’s supporting young writers at home or taking part as a school activity.

We understand the younger age groups will require some support, but we encourage stories to be submitted as closely to what the child comes up with as possible for their story ending.

The beginning of the story has been expanded for each age category, building on the narrative to create a starting point from which writers of any age can take the story in endless directions.

One hundred winning stories will be chosen by our panel of judges, and all selected entries will be published in a keepsake magazine.

In addition,........

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