Standard’s Stories winner will ‘go on to great things’

There are “great things” ahead for the winner of our Stories competition, according to one of the judges.

About 1,300 writers entered the competition and were asked to explore the theme of “belonging”. Kelvin Hill won with his short story The Gift, about a family coming to terms with their psychic powers.

Judge Beth O’Leary, whose debut novel The Flatshare sold more than one million copies, said: “I enjoyed the use of dialogue and the concept is brilliant — I’m sure this writer will go on to great things.”

The entries were whittled down to a shortlist of 12, which were then discussed by a panel including Brick Lane novelist Monica Ali, poet Lemn Sissay and Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee.

Third place went to Joe Bedford for Maria, a tale of lost love, while second went to Elizabeth Fisher for Forty Fifth for my Forty Five, about a pop star coping with their fall from fame.

Ali said picking the winner from “a wealth of talent” was not easy. Evening Standard editor Dylan Jones said: “Evening Standard has always played a role in shaping the creative life of our capital city, supporting and encouraging storytellers. Our Stories competition enables us to continue the tradition and champion our incredible talent.”

The winners were announced at Bafta on Thursday night and prizes included a year-long mentorship with production company 42 and a place on a City Lit creative writing course.