NEW writers were given the chance to shine at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre.

A total of 48 writers were chosen to take part in The Best of Bolton at the theatre.

The popular event was an opportunity for some of the area’s best writers to showcase their work and receive constructive feedback.

Elizabeth Newman, associate director and head of the New Writing department, said: “It is extremely exciting to be part of a project which champions local talent.

“Thanks to everyone who submitted their work, we had more than 100 responses to The Best of Bolton this year, which goes to show the huge amount of talent Bolton has to offer.

“We are committed to developing new writing and celebrating the work of new writers with events such as this and will continue to do so.”

Submissions included poetry, prose and drama and the original work was showcased in the venue’s Studio Theatre.

Beryl Jones, aged 89, who lives in Rivington, wrote a poem called The North South Divide.

The computer savvy pensioner, who keeps in touch with friends and family using Facebook, said: “I’ve always done writing and poems and things but mainly for family and people, touching up speeches for them.

“I was in the Wrens in the wartime, in the Navy.

Mrs Jones, who is a mother of three, grandmother of 10 and a great-grandmother of two, added: “That’s when I started, when we were bored stiff and there were no planes coming in to be serviced.

“It was like Pam Ayres, but not as good.”

English literature graduate Amber Tesia, aged 35, from Bolton, an author, freelance writer and lifestyle blogger, submitted a piece from her debut novel, Screaming Snowflakes.

She said: “The Best of Bolton commemorates our vibrant town’s rich cultural heritage and provides a wonderful platform for new writing to be discovered and cherished.

“To be part of the celebrations and have my work performed at The Octagon Theatre, which is one of Bolton’s best loved landmarks, is an absolute honour and privilege.”

Other submissions included Denise Silcock’s A Tale of Two Brothers, Ian Hill’s Complications and Stephen Fielding’s Invasion of the Body-Snatchers.