Gripping tale wins Mandy top prize in county short story competition

Mandy Coggan (left, receiving her prize from Angela Meads) has won the North Nottinghamshire Short Story Competition

Blood and Fire, penned by Jaqueline (Mandy) Coggan, was singled out by the judging panel of Angela Meads, owner of Bookworm in Retford, Rick Brand, chairman of Bassetlaw Christian Heritage and Jonathan Brassington, communications manager at Bassetlaw District Council.

The competition criteria stated that this year’s stories had to be based around the theme of rebel and religion and be connected to North Nottinghamshire.

The judges read through all the high-class entries.

But they were particularly gripped by the moral dilemmas her character faced as part of life on a critical care ward.

Mandy, who was born in Misterton but now lives in Worksop, was presented with her award, and a first prize of £500, by Angela Meads at the North Notts Literary Lunch held at Ye Olde Bell in Barnby Moor this month.

Bookworm and Bassetlaw Council hope to publish all six short-listed stories later this year.

Plans are already in place for next year’s competition on the theme Sherwood and the Dukeries.

Details will follow in early 2017.