BUDDING best-sellers could see their work being published as the Evening News and the Swan Theatre launch a mystery writing contest.

As part of the theatre's production of G K Chesterton's Father Brown mysteries, Worcestershire people are being asked to submit a short story with a twist in the tale.

The competition, organised after the success of the Poetry Picnic in July, is aimed at giving writers the chance to have their talents recognised and work printed.

"After seeing the quality of the work submitted during the Poetry Picnic, we are confident the stories will be to a very high standard," said Andrew Sheard, marketing manager at the Worcester theatre.

"People are very creative and we hope the competition will encourage people to use those talents further.

"It is a great opportunity for people to become involved in something which is great fun to do and offers a real brain-teaser for others reading it."

The winner and two runners-up will see their work published in the Evening News and receive framed copies of their stories. The winner will also be given two tickets to the play, The Mystery of Father Brown.

They will also be treated to a free meal at the theatre's new restaurant, Strollers.

The clerical sleuth - who comes to the theatre on Thursday, September 28 until Saturday, October 14 - was the forerunner to detectives such as Hercule Poirot and Inspector Morse.

Jenny Stephens, who is directing the play, said the methodical Catholic priest always managed to capture the villain because he had a unique insight into people.

"He knows how people work from all the confessionals he has listened to," she said.

"But he always knows that his arch rival Flambeau, a gentleman thief like Raffles, is likely to be involved."

The production - which stars vicar and actor Richard Syms - will also feature a magician, who will appear as Flambeau.

"It will be a lively show with many twists and turns and spectacular acts which will include tricks with fire," added Jenny.

"We are sure it will be a great show for all the family and you never know, one day we may even produce a play based on the winning story."

THE PRIZES

THE following prizes are available to the winners of the competition, which will be announced on Monday, September 25 and Monday, October 2.

First prize will be two tickets to see The Mystery of Father Brown at the city's Swan Theatre.

There will also be a meal for two provided at the new restaurant Strollers, with a complimentary programme and drinks.

The winner will also receive a presentation copy of their published story and a copy of the Complete Father Brown Stories by G K Chesterton.

The two runners-up will both receive two tickets to the play and copies of the Complete Father Brown Stories.

THE RULES

PEOPLE interested in entering the competition should observe the following rules.

* The theme is a mystery. The story can be a whodunnit or on a general theme, but it must involve an element of mystery and surprise.

* The story must not be any more than 1,000 words long and only one entry will be accepted from any one person.

* The copies should preferably be typed, however long-hand is acceptable but only if legible. None of the entries can be returned after the competition.

* Entries must arrive by Monday, September 25.

* There will be one winner with two runners up - the prizes are outlined below.

* The winning three entries will be published in the Evening News.

* Copyright will remain with the authors and the judges' decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into regarding the decision.