Winners of Stafford Library’s short story competition were celebrated at a special event where they were presented with their published stories in a new collection, The Stafford Contemporary Collection.
The winners attended the celebration with family and friends, bringing together more than 50 guests to mark their achievement. The event was hosted by former Staffordshire Poet Laureate Mel Wardle Woodend, who presented awards to the six adult winners, while Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate 2025/26 Pearl Knight Dutton presented copies of the book to the six winners aged under 17.
The competition was launched earlier this year as part of the National Year of Reading celebrations.
The winning stories have now been published by local publisher Dream Well in a collection entitled The Stafford Contemporary Collection, which is available to borrow from selected libraries across Stafford Borough.
Hayley Coles, Acting Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“This competition has showcased the incredible creativity and storytelling talent we have here in Staffordshire.
“It’s wonderful to see writers of all ages inspired to put pen to paper and share their imagination with others. Congratulations to all of our winners on this fantastic achievement and for earning a place in this special collection.
“Libraries continue to play an important role in the heart of local communities, supporting reading, learning and providing access to important services.”
The event was held at Stafford Library on 17 October. The winners included:
Adults
- Amidst the Mists – Bonny Jon Milkshed
- Before the Heath – James Croxton-Cayzer
- Notes by Cornflake – Claire Tallentire
- Ostara; Goddess of the Radiant Dawn – Melanie Baines
- River Sow’s Gift – Klaudia Martysiuk
- The Last Man – Victoria Wall
Stories by young people aged 12–16
- An Uncertain Journey – Millie Clay
- Correction – Chloe Collins
Stories by children aged 7–11
- I Want to Race Swim! – William Sherratt
- Ninja Frogs: Chaos at Stafford Castle – Myles Bellerby
- The Real Hero – Meenakshi Kannan
- Zoo on the Loose – Georgia Rae Candlin
Further information is available on the Staffordshire Libraries Service webpage.
