The theme of the competition is in the spirit of the re-opening of the the Borders Railway. The initiative is being run by Scottish Borders Council and its creative writing magazine The Eildon Tree.

The first prize winner of the best poem or short story will win a pair of golden tickets for the special train journeys from one of the three Scottish Borders railway stations at Tweedbank, Galashiels or Stow on Saturday, September 5. As well as a cash prize or book tokens for the schools categories, the winning entries (1st, 2nd and 3rd prize) in each category will be published in a special booklet, Waverley Lines.

Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Communities, said: “We have been impressed with the number of entries so far but would like to encourage anyone who hasn’t yet submitted their entry to do so by Friday, June 26. To help inspire people and create some ideas, members of the Eildon Tree editorial team have been busy delivering workshops in schools and the wider community and I hear that some great poems and stories are being developed.” Entry to the competition is free and the winners will be announced at the end of July. To download an entry form and see the competition guidelines and rules visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/waverleylines. You can also email eildontree@scotborders.gov.uk, come into any Scottish Borders Council library/contact centre or call SBC’s Arts Development team on 01750 726400.