Spooky tale is winning entry at Wolverhampton Literature Festival

Christine Gwillym was crowned winner of the Express & Star's short story competition after impressing judges with her spine-chilling tale 'The Baby Cried One Last Time'.

The mother-of-two said she was shocked by the win after revealing she submitted her piece with just 20 minutes to spare before the deadline.

Mrs Gwillym, of Great Wyrley, said: "It's lovely, I didn't expect it, it's my first win."

The Express & Star launched the competition as part of this year's Wolverhampton Literature Festival.

Keen writers across the region were called on to put pen to paper and craft an original 1,200 fiction piece based on any theme.

Mrs Gwillym said she was inspired to pull together her winning piece after receiving encouragement from fellow writing club members Michael Job, Gloria Tizley and Gloria Ponder.

The story, first penned in 2016 and fine-tuned for the contest, came after group members tasked themselves with writing pieces which had to include a rake, unhinged gate, drawing pin and globe.

Retired school teacher Mrs Gwillym said: "I think it's been a joint effort. I have got to this time in my life when I want to share and not think everything is to do with me.

"I read a lot during childhood but then my work got in the way. Writing has been a new lease of life."

Writer Paul Dowswell read the short story before his talk 'Writing for Fun and Profit' with fellow writer Ian Billings at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on Sunday.

The short story focuses on character Helena, who begins having a sinister reoccurring dream after her younger brother goes missing.

Mrs Gwillym, who lives with husband Brian, said: "I'm used to hearing stories and reading them to children - I have done it all my life.

"To have someone else do it and be in the audience for a change was wonderful."

Proud writing group member Ms Ponder added: "We are thrilled, it's very exciting. It's encouraging because it will spur us on as well."