The Gazette's and Word Market's annual online poetry and short story competition entries now far exceed previous years, with over forty in, and the deadline is still three weeks away.

Entries, on the theme of Nature, have come in from all over the UK and as far away as the Philippines.

"We have really pleased to have Molly Baxter, author and a winner in our first competition, judging the short stories and Word Market Poet Laureate Jennifer Copley judging the poems," said Word Market Coordinator Linda Graham.

"Both The Gazette's and Word Market's websites are pivotal to promoting the competitions and publishing the winning entries," said Kate Whiteside, Gazette web editor. "Getting published online is often the first experience in both publishing and being on the web for our winners. We hope this opens up more opportunities for the winners."

Prizes include being published online, help in setting up their own site in the Gazette's CommuniGate section, gift certificates and more. Winners will be announced during the Word Market Festival 3rd-12th February 2006.