COTEHELE Mill in East Cornwall is searching for talented young writers to enter the National Trust property's annual short story competition. The competition, for nine to 14 year olds, has the topic 'Triumph Over Difficulty' and the deadline for entries is Saturday, May 31. Among the panel of judges for the 1,000-word competition is famous local writer James Crowden, who was born in Plymouth and brought up in Tavistock. He has written many books, including Ciderland and the Wheal of Hope. In 2004 he wrote Waterways as part of the Living Landscapes series for the National Trust which includes a feature on Cotehele. Cotehele Mill custodian Sally Newton said the theme was inspired by the legend of St Piran, Cornwall's patron saint. She said: 'St Piran arrived in Cornwall tied to a millstone that was intended to drown him, the legend goes, but it floated all the way here and he survived to become Cornwall's patron saint. 'Think of problems and difficulties that your character can face to make a good, thrilling story — it can be anything!' Each story has to be 1,000 words or less and entry forms and tips can be picked up from Cotehele Mill or the Cotehele Facebook page. There are two categories for prizes, nine to eleven years and 12 to 14 years. Tesco in Callington is providing two £20 gift cards for the winners.