A creative writing group is inviting budding authors to enter a short story competition.

Chalk the Sun, based in Balham, are organising the competition to tie into the Wandsworth Arts Festival 2013.

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to perform their stories live at a short story slam on May 17.

Comic poet, Ardella Jones, is set to compère the show, while BBC script-editor Jonathan Wolfman will select the top three entries.

Mr Wolfman has developed scripts for Tracey Beaker Returns, The Dumping Ground and Wolfblood.

The audience will select the ultimate winner, with entries being accepted until May 5.

A free Chalk the Sun course and dinner for two at Balham Bowls Club is up for grabs, while runners up will get bottles of fizz, Chalk the Sun and John Lewis vouchers.

Overseas entries reaching the finals will be read by an actor and could win a £100 distance learning voucher.

Mr Wolfman said: "I'm always amazed at the high standard of work produced by new writers and the performance angle in this competition makes it even more fun, bringing in traditional storytelling skills as well as writing talent."

Chalk the Sun Story Slam, Balham Bowls Club, Ramsden Road, May 17, deadline May 5, visit chalkthesun.co.uk or call 07852 483 001