The Inaugural Kathleen George Memorial Writing Competition for children in Powys has been launched at Llanwrtyd Wells Library.

The competition is in memory of the late Kathleen George, who was a librarian in Llanwrtyd and Llandrindod Wells for over 20 years. The launch marks the first anniversary of Kathleen’s death, after a brave battle with cancer.

Members of Irfon Arts - a local writing group of which Kathleen was a founding member - Lynda Pace Avery and Jan Newton, organised the event in partnership with Powys County Council’s library service.

Children are invited to write a short story up to 500 words on the subject of magic, a theme close to Kathleen’s heart. There are two age categories, 7-11 and 12-15 year olds.

Llanwrtyd Wells town councillor Lynda Pace Avery said: "I know Kathy loved children, and encouraged them in all their literary endeavours, so a writing competition in her name sounded ideal. To launch it in Llanwrtyd library was special because she worked here."

The launch was attended by Kathleen’s friends, family and former borrowers. A poetry reading was held to mark the occasion, including one of her own poems entitled ‘Ty’r Gof’.

Kathleen’s daughter, Verity Jones, said: "As a family we were very honoured when Irfon Arts approached us about the writing prize. Mum was a prolific writer both through her poetry and her blogging pseudonym Cait O’Connor. It’s wonderful that her memory will live on through this very fitting prize."

The closing date of the competition is Saturday, August 21, at 12pm. To enter, hand your story into your local library.