Biennial competition to encourage interest in the work of Henry Williamson, author of Tarka the Otter. The first runs until June 7 and is aimed at Years 9-11. A choice of four assignments is available on the theme, The First World War, based on provided source material from archives and the novel, A Fox Under My Cloak. First prize is pound;500 to the school and pound;100 to the student, there are two pound;50 second prizes and every competing school will receive a book of Henry Williamson’s writing. Details: The Henry Williamson Society, PO Box 11, Easingwold, York YO61 1YY.

CREATIVE WRITING

The University of North London is inviting A-level, GNVQ, BTEC and access course students in London boroughs to enter this competition by May 22. They may submit a short story of up to 2,000 words, or a collection of three to ten poems, or a review of a play, book, film, exhibition, concert, dance, CD, video or programme. Michael Palin, the actor and broadcaster, will present prizes ranging from pound;50 to pound;100 at the Islington International Festival on June 17. Details: Nikki Marsh, 0171 753 5068; e-mail:n.marshunl.ac.uk