Carol Ann Duffy and Andrew Motion are among the judges of the 20th Poetry Society competition for anyone over 18, which has a first prize of Pounds 5,000. Poems may be on any subject and must not exceed 40 lines. Entry fee: Pounds 5; Pounds 3 for subsequent entries. Closing date: October 31. Details: The Poetry Society, 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BH.

WRITING COMPETITION

Previously unpublished poetry and short stories are invited for possible publication in a paperback collection to appear spring 1998, which will provide an outlet for new writers. The best entry will win Pounds 100 and book tokens will go to runners-up. Closing date: October 31. Details: send SAE to Mostly Poetry, co 3a Pine Grove, Maidstone, Kent ME14 2AJ.

WRITE AN ESSAY ON INDIA

The deadline for this Council in World Citizenship competition for students aged 16 to 19 (Noticeboard, July 4) has been extended to November 7. Details: Seth Lartey, 0171 929 5090.