The search is on for local literary talent.

The annual Lakeland Book of the Year competition, run by the Cumbria Tourist Board, is on the look out for books published about the region last year.

Founded in 1984 by local author Hunter Davies, the competition welcomes all types of entries, from poetry to non-fiction.

Awards range from the Hunter Davies Prize for Lakeland Book of the Year, to the Border Television Prize for best illustrated book.

Entries should arrive at the Cumbria Tourist Board office by March 10, and winners will be announced at a literary luncheon in June.

Chris Collier, chief executive of Cumbria Tourist Board, said interest in the competition grows each year.

"Cumbria has inspired writers and artists for centuries so it is no surprise that Cumbrian writers are so prolific," she said.

Last year the Hunter Davies prise was won by veteran author Harry Griffin, with his book Coniston Tigers, Seventy Years of Mountain Adventure, published by Sigma Leisure.

For details contact Cumbria Tourist Board on 015394 44444.