The Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award has opened for applications.

It offers young Cornish wordsmiths the chance to garner career-changing support.

Successful applicants will receive guidance and nurturing from established authors.

They can also access a cash award of up to £1,000, to be used for developing a specific project or to purchase much-needed equipment.

Additionally, a £150 book voucher would be included underlining the significance of reading for writing.

Previous beneficiaries of the award used the expert advice of their mentors and journeyed as far as London and Denmark to advance their writing careers.

Recent success stories like Rebecca Pearce, 22, from Porthtowan vouch for the transformative power of this award.

She said: "I am someone who can sometimes doubt myself and lack confidence, but the award has recognised my talent.

"I have something that validates me.

"It goes beyond my degree.

"I can see myself as a professional writer and going on to explore my own publishing venture."

Falmouth Packet: The Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award has opened for applications

Falmouth’s Tayfun Zaidi, 21, another award recipient, has used his grant for a research trip to Denmark for his upcoming historical fantasy fiction novel.

He explained: "Being part of the award has meant that I have someone from the industry, with huge amounts of experience offering a new perspective on my writing.

"Patrick has unlocked my confidence.

"I would never have been able to even begin to think about doing this without the award – it has been moulded around me and what I need which has been invaluable."

The Creative Writing Award has backing from Falmouth University and Seasalt Cornwall, and support from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.

It is an initiative of the Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund, aiming at helping talented young individuals irrespective of their background or financial situation.

Award curator, Philip Marsden said: "We are now beginning to see the first group of young writers complete their year of mentoring, and it is tremendous to see what a difference it’s made.

Our mentors have been through all this themselves and can help steer young writers in the right direction".

For young writers aged between 16 and 24, visit www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org or search @youngandtalentedcornwall on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn for application information.