Aspiring writers could be in with a chance to have their work broadcast on the radio as part of the 2013 Elmbridge Literary Competition.

This year the competition is helping to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the RC Sherriff Trust.

The playwright and novelist is one of the boroughs most famous residents.

The theme of the competition is A Fortnight in September, the title of Sherriff’s 1931 novel, and they are looking for short one-act radio plays that tell that story.

Councillor Tannia Shipley, chairman of the RC Sherriff Trust, said: “This year’s Literary Competition is a great way of celebrating one of the most famous playwrights of the 20th century.

“RC Sherriff certainly left his mark on the literary world with ‘Journey’s End’, possibly the best play ever written about the First World War.

“Less well known now are his novels, so we have taken the title of his first great success, The Fortnight in September (about an annual family holiday to the seaside), to offer a new challenge to aspiring writers.

“We look forward to receiving many entertaining radio plays inspired by this theme and following in Sherriff’s footsteps.”

Winning entries will be recorded by Brooklands Radio and broadcast in the build up to Christmas after the public rehearsed readings, by professional actors, at the Vera Fletcher Hall on November 24.

The categories are ages 5 to 7, Little Rhymes and Stars; and Radio Play for ages 8 to 10, 11 to 13, 14 to 18 and 19 plus.

The closing date for entries is October 28.