A 70 year old Kingston resident is the oldest winner of the City of Stories writing competition this year, it was revealed today (October 22).

Valerie Nunn, a retired teacher and freelance translator who has lived in Kingston for over 40 years, dabbles in creative short fiction and comic verse during her free time.

Her entry, a short story called ‘Fever’, is told from the point of view of a busking musician, who watches as a fox makes an unexpected appearance on the Strand.

It was one of 62 entries to be selected from 313 submissions, which will appear in a special anthology.

Ms Nunn and 20 prize winners will get a chance to read their stories at open mic events in libraries across London in November 2018 and attend a writers’ development day.

Ruth Harrison, director of Spread the Word, said: “It’s been fantastic to see how Londoners have responded to City of Stories, showing a real appetite to engage with and develop their writing and short stories in local libraries, such as Surbiton Library in Kingston”.

Caroline Rae, chair of London Libraries, said: “Once again we have been delighted to work in partnership with Spread the Word on City of Stories.

“London’s libraries are cultural hubs, both as incubators for artists and also as venues for residents to discover cultural experiences and City of Stories is the perfect embodiment of this.”

The City of Stories anthology will be available to attendees at all of the open mic events taking place in November.