The winner of the May competition was Mike McBride, of Rosyth, in Fife, Scotland, who is awarded £100. Judge, the writer Fiona Cooper, said: “The story Friendly Fire is an original take on a sadly relevant story of our time. It is very well crafted and paced, and the language and emotions are sustained through out. Thought provoking and very moving, visual and deep.”

Second-placed, and winning £25, is Sarah England, from Shaftesbury, in Dorset, with She wanted to complain. Fiona said: “A total riot, very funny fast and quirky - I look forward to more of this writer’s output : the craziness of the main character is engaging and utterly believable. One of the very few stories involving murder that has ever been placed in this competition - it’s like a zany comedy and I could imagine someone like Patricia Hayes playing the part in a TV adaptation.“

Restless Apple Jackson, by Lee Williams, of the Isle of Wight, was the story which was third, earning a commended place.Fiona said: “This surreal and grounded story had my attention from the start. Economy of style carries the reader into the situation and from then on, the weirdest happenings become completely acceptable. Well done.”

The June competition is still open for entries.