'A HOUSE Named Rossendale' was the winning article in a competition organised by Rossendale Writers.

The author, chairman Lily Driver, detailed a trip to New Zealand when she and her husband visited a House Named Rossendale.

An article on Sir Michael Redgrave by treasurer Peter Jones was second, Alex Marsh's 'A Postcard from Gozo' third and highly commended was Lily Driver's 'Stage Struck'.

Lancashire Evening Telegraph reporter Catherine Smyth judged the competition and read through eight 1,500 word scripts before selecting a first, second and third as well as one highly-commended entry.

Rossendale Writers meet at the Weavers' Cottage in Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7.30pm.

The organisation was set up in 1986 and has published three books which have raised £4,000 for charity.

Among those who have benefited are The Royal National Institute for the Blind, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Stepping Stones Nursery in Haslingden and NCH Action for Children.

Lily said: "Our books give our members the chance to see their work in print. They also design the covers".

The organisation has 24 members and anyone interested in writing, or just listening to the writers read out their work, is welcome to attend.

At each meeting members set themselves projects which can include articles to a set title, poetry and short stories.

Many of the members have had their work published. Lily's was printed in The Lady and Grace Magazine; Alex has had articles in the Times Educational Supplement; Peter's work has appeared in Yours magazine many times and Pauline Hutchinson's winning article last year on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was printed in a waterways publication.