THE company behind the Ravenfest event, celebrating the author and poet Edgar Allan Poe’s time in Ayrshire, have launched a short story competition.

Poe was just a child when he travelled from the USA to Ayrshire with his foster father, Irvine man John Allan.

He stayed in Irvine briefly, attending the town’s Grammar School.

Ahead of their Ravenfest 2022 event, organisers Poetic Justice Productions are holding their second annual short story competition.

Last year’s competition attracted a large number of entries from all over Scotland. And this year the competition is open to a global audience, with entries already coming in from the USA.

READ MORE: Transatlantic team-up to celebrate Poe's links with North Ayrshire

The stories should be no longer than 500 words and in the style of Edgar Allan Poe, whether that be crime, mystery/suspense or horror.

There are two categories again this year: adult and under 18. And there will be a £50 prize for both winners.

The winning entries will also be read aloud to an audience at one of the Ravenfest events in Irvine this October.

The closing date for entries is October 3, 2022.

To enter, submit your stories by email to helencaitken@hotmail.com.

More updates on this year’s festival will be announced soon.