A writer is calling for young authors to get involved in a short story competition.

Author Isabelle King is urging young authors from Elstree and Borehamwood to get involved with the Express Yourself short story competition organised by National Express.

The competition was launched on Monday and Ms King will be judging entries from the area.

She said: "This competition is all about journeys and travelling as the people reading it are going to be coach passengers, but the journey you write about could be fictional or real.

"I would love every child in Elstree and Borehamwood to have a go, it does not matter if you think you are not a writer, everyone has a story. Writing is one of the best ways of expressing your ideas, unlocking your creative side, and this is a great opportunity to share it."

The winner will have a chance for their story to be read by millions of people who travel with National Express every year. They will also get a £50 cheque as prize money.

National Express UK managing director Tom Stables added: "Every year we take millions of people on a journey, now to celebrate VUER, we are turning the tables are asking youngsters in Elstree and Borehamwood to take us on a journey.

"Express Yourself is a really unique opportunity for budding young authors to get their literary careers in top gear and we’re looking for really inspiring stories to delight our customers. We can’t wait to start receiving the entries."

If you are interested, entrants are asked to write a story of up to but no more than 1000 words and they have until the 31 of Dec to submit it.

You can submit it to david.wrottesley@nationalexpress.com.