Eight young budding writers with exceptional talent have become the latest recipients of the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award.

The initiative, part of the Lord Lieutenant’s Fund, is aimed at nurturing Cornwall’s next generation of wordsmiths.

They will benefit from a year of mentoring sessions with award-winning poets, renowned authors, and playwrights.

The Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award is now in its third round.

It is sponsored by Falmouth University and Seasalt Cornwall and supported by the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.

Aside from the mentoring, the successful applicants were also awarded a £150 book voucher and can access a further cash award of up to £1,000 each as part of the prize, to develop a particular project or to fund much-needed equipment.

The young writers and their mentors are as follows: budding author Clara Spake Urwin from Gunnislake is being guided by Anna Wilson, who has written over 50 books for children.

Aaleyah Kiah Bate from St Blaise, a writer of dark fantasy and gothic fiction, is under the wing of Craig Barr Green, a writer, lecturer, and children’s bookseller.

Mark Crees, a professional writer and essayist, is mentoring Poppy Louise Wintrip from Truro, who aspires to leave her mark on the writing and performing industry.

Ella Frears, a poet and artist, is supporting Olivia Mills from Gwinear, who is aiming for a place at Oxford University.

Patrick Gale, a renowned author, is guiding Madison Vincent from Perranporth towards her dream of becoming an author.

Katrina Naomi, an award-winning poet, is mentoring Evie Luckhurst from St Ives, who is aiming for a career in journalism.

Freya Rose Jenkins from the Isles of Scilly is being guided by Philip Marsden, an award-winning author.

Georgia Death from Newquay, who plans to establish her own theatre company, is being mentored by Anna Maria Murphy, a playwright and poet.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho said: "Now in its third round, the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award has already helped 12 young writers hone their skills under the expert guidance of our distinguished mentors.

"Our latest recipients were chosen from a record number of applicants and have a transformative year ahead of them.

"They exemplify the exceptional talent so abundant in Cornwall of which I am incredibly proud."

Anyone aged between 16 and 23 years with a flair for writing can apply for the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award.

For more information, visit www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org.