A NUMBER of budding writers have received recognition for taking part in a literary competition which was set up in memory of a celebrated Manx novelist.

40 students from schools across the Island were awarded prizes for taking part in the Hall Caine Memorial Prize for Creative Writing.

The literary competition, which is in its first year, was set up by Hall Caine's great-granddaughter Gloria Rukeyser who still lives in the novelist's former home at Greeba Castle.

Students were invited to submit a short story, memoir, one-act play or opening chapter of a novel based around the theme of memories.

Nearly 300 entries were received in three categories – Primary, Key Stage 3 and 4 and Key Stage 5/Isle of Man College.

Entries were judged by a panel, made up of headteachers and college lecturers, who scored the entries on characterisation, good narrative flow and imaginative story telling.

Speaking at the prize presentation Gloria, who is a writer and journalist herself, said: "Writing isn't simply a talent you are born with. It's a craft you have to learn, starting with basic grammar and punctuation. You have to practice it every day if you want to get good at it.

"People today are writing more than ever – on Facebook, in texts, blogs e-mails and tweets. We don't know if printed books are going to survive, or if e-books and Kindles and iPads are the future. The only certainty is that both reading and writing will endure and flourish even as they change and evolve in this digital age.

"I am enormously impressed by the wide range, the equal parts of vivid imagination and sheer hard work, the quality and simple power of your writing. You show that you already understand the fundamentals of good story telling. I found your stories absorbing, always interesting and deeply moving. I am so very proud of every one of you."

Students who came first, second and third in each category were awarded cash prizes and students whose work was highly commended received book tokens.

Katie Craig, 17, from St Ninian's High School, won first prize in the Key Stage 5/Isle of Man College category. She wrote a story about a soldier living in a nursing home.

Katie said: "The entry was inspired by how war veterans and the elderly in general are treated by our society – ignored, put in homes away from their families, sometimes patronised and expected to be passive. These people so often have amazing stories to tell but nobody will listen."

The Hall Caine Memorial Prize for Creative Writing is run in conjunction with the Department of Education and Children. Speaking at the award ceremony Minister Eddie Teare MHK said: "You are all stars today. In some quarters competitive activities are not encouraged but competitions such as this give us the incentive to try a little bit harder and go a little bit further."

The theme for this year's competition will be announced in the summer.

Also see: Hall Caine Memorial Prize for creative writing launched