highlights the winners of the newspaper's annual Christmas short story competition.

The winning stories, selected from 237 entries, were chosen by a panel of three judges comprised of Roger Crombie, Gareth Finighan and Kim Dismont-Robinson. Mr. Crombie provides us with an article depicting themes many of the children used this season and during past years.

Children under 18 submitted 206 stories and adults submitted 31.

One of the judges, Kim Dismont-Robinson, commented about the children's stories in general: "I was most impressed by the high calibre of the writing and the fact that they truly made numerous creative references to Bermuda and its small creatures such as lizards, toads and frogs''.

In the Under 18 division, Rosie Hall, age 9, was proclaimed the winner with her charming story entitled, "Do You Believe in Santa?'' The story, exceptionally well written, vividly describes how Toddy the toad helps a small boy believe in Santa Claus.

Runner-up was Ally Lusher, age 12, who wrote a heart rendering story about family, friends and neighbours on a stormy Christmas Eve in Bermuda. It was beautifully written in the form of journal entries and is entitled, "Home For Christmas''.

The exceptional promise was earned by Jessie Shane, age 13, who wrote a tale about elves taking a vacation in Bermuda at the Hamilton Princess prior to Christmas called, "An Unconventional Convention''. She gives an amusing account of their efforts to return to the North Pole to help Santa with toys.

In the adult category we read of Christopher Webster's winning tale of a modern day Scrooge, entitled, "Scrooge's Bermuda Christmas Spirit''. Scrooge rides around Hamilton on a motor scooter.

The adult runner-up, Joseph Galea, presents a compelling drama on the poignant plight of a family in crisis during the Christmas season and finishes with a macabre twist. It is called, "Sin of Omission''.

The adult exceptional promise was awarded to Catherine Kennedy's, "The Night Before Christmas''. This is a touching story about giving at Christmas.

One honourable mention was awarded in the adult category to Anthony Richardson for, "A Bermudaful Christmas''. It is a touching piece about a struggling family. The father is in prison and his wife and daughter are saddened by a trail of despair which leads to happiness.

In real life Mr. Richardson, a prison inmate, resides at the Westgate Correctional Facility. This is the first story he has ever written and he wrote it only two days prior to the deadline.

There were five honourable mentions awarded to children in the under 18 category: Tanyalyn Bailey's, "The Elf Who Saved Christmas''.

Laura Andrew's, "A Skink Tail''.

Nathalie West's, "The Christmas Ball''.

Christine Howcroft's, "A Jolly Christmas After All''.

Sacha Simpson's, "Love is the True Spirit of Christmas''.

We thank all who submitted stories and applaud each writer for his/her effort.

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! SHORT STORY WRITERS -- Front row: Jessie Shane and Ally Lusher. Back row: Joseph Galea, Catherine Kennedy and Christopher Webster.

COMPETITION CPN SHORT STORY COMPETITION CPN