AN UP and coming former Pendle playwright will see his latest work performed at a Manchester theatre after entering a competition for writers in the North West.

Sharif Samad, 29, was among 250 writers to enter a script into the Write2 competition run by the Royal Exchange Theatre.

He was one of three runners-up whose play will be performed during the Write2 Festival at the theatre later this month as part of a series of rehearsed readings.

Sharif, who now lives in London, lived all over the world during his childhood because of his father's job, but always spent the summer with his grandparents in Laneshawbridge.

He wrote his first play three years ago after his first trip to the theatre and 'Carol' is his third script.

Sharif, who studied sociology at university, said: "I had never been to the theatre until about four years ago when a friend got me interested.

"I joined a young writers' programme in London to get some knowledge about the theatre and it started from there."

After hearing about the Write2 competition he decided to enter his third play 'Carol' which he said is about the "underbelly" of city life and focuses on a girl involved in a love triangle with two brothers.

He said: "I had had some positive feedback about the play and thought I would put it in. I was hopeful that I would do well, but you never really know.

"It was months before I heard anything back but it was great news when I was told I was a runner-up." Sharif, who is currently doing office work for his father, Essam, 59, an anaesthetist, as well as continuing to write, will be in Manchester for the opening night of the festival later this week, when a presentation will be made to the winner and the runners-up. He will also be there for the reading of his play on Monday, July 12.

He is hoping that his success in this competition will launch his career as a playwright.

"My big hope for the future is to have my next play put on in a theatre. I would love to make writing my full time career."

For more information about the Write2 Festival or to book tickets for any of the performances telephone the Royal Exchange box office on 0161 833 9833 or visit www.royalexchange.co.uk