TIME has almost run out for applications for places on the Winchester Writers Conference.

Organiser Barbara Large is being inundated by last-minute applications that are now coming from around the world as the word spreads about the annual event.

The deadline for submissions is tomorrow to Mrs Large, of Southdown Road, Shawford.

Mrs Large said: "The entries are coming from further afield - Kenya, Cyprus, Tenerife, Germany, the USA. The event is becoming internationally recognised. People are finding out about it using the Web and are wanting to attend.

"The conference is unique because it helps people find out more about harnessing their ideas into really marketeable manuscripts.

"Festivals like Hay and Cheltenham are for readers. But here the writers who come are coming to help other writers learn how to do it. That is a big difference.

Now in its 23rd year the event has helped 60 authors get published by mainstream publishers. The event will be held at King Alfred's College over the weekend starting June 27.

Among the attractions this year is main speaker Beryl Bainbridge, five-times nominated for the Booker Prize.

The Daily Echo is sponsoring two competitions: best feature and best poetry. Elizabeth Bewick will judge the poetry and assistant news editor David Brine will judge the feature.