There's still time to enter this year's Edgar Allan Poe-themed short story competition run by Ayrshire's Poetic Justice Productions.

The company behind the planned Ravenfest event celebrating author and poet Poe’s time in Irvine as a child, has set a closing date of Hallowe'en - next Tuesday, October 31 - for entries to be sent in.

For the past two years, Poetic Justice has held a short story competition, looking for work in the style of Goth favourite Poe – whether it be mystery, suspense or murder.

There are under-18 and adult categories, with a £50 first prize for both, and entries have flooded in from as far away as Irvine California.

The team has been especially inspired by the entries to the under-18 category, with some truly spine-chilling entries being submitted in the past two years.

American-born Poe first came to Irvine with his foster father John Allan – who was born in the town – around 1812 and stayed there for a short time, attending Irvine Grammar School.

He also spent some of his time in Kilmarnock.

Poetic Justice Productions, a community interest company, has held Poe-inspired evenings across Ayrshire in recent years and is still working on plans – and seeking funding – for a three-day festival celebrating the author ‘s time in Irvine.

The winning entries will be read aloud at the prizegiving ceremony in November, date and time to be confirmed.

All entries must include name address and age (if under 18). To enter, submit your stories by email to helencaitken@hotmail.com.

Poetic Justice Productions uses arts and cultural activities to tackle social issues and raise awareness of the cultural history of Ayrshire.