EMERGING writers in Winchester can receive support with the introduction of a new scheme.

The University of Winchester Writers’ Festival has launched a Festival Scholarship Scheme for writers aged 18-25 who may benefit from attending the festival to help launch their careers.

There are ten scholarships available, worth £375 each, for the event on June 20-22 at the University of Winchester.

Now in its 35th year the festival aims to nurture new and established creative writing talent with workshops, talks and one-to-one appointments with around 60 literary agents, commissioning editors, bestselling authors and publishing experts.

Judith Heneghan, festival director and senior lecturer at the University, said: “It gives young writers the opportunity to network with each other, improve their craft, develop new work and learn more about the publishing process. Many young writers are highly motivated; we want to nurture their talent and help connect them with industry experts and each other.”

Applications for the scheme close on March 31 and for more information go to writersfestival.co.uk.