FOR the second year running, Sight for Wight held its short story writing competition awards ceremony online, as a virtual event.

With more than 250 Islanders tuning in to watch the results on YouTube and Facebook, the event surpassed most people's expectations.

Once again, the charity secured an enviable range of celebrity readers, including Melvyn Hayes, Amy Robbins, Richard Cadell and Robert Daws.

Claudia Summers was the under 12s winner with A Vision Of A New World, recorded by Richard Cadell of Sooty and Sweep fame. Read her story in this week's County Press. Evelyn Shand, meanwhile, was the winner of the 12 -17 category with Underestimated, read by Amy Robbins of The Royal and Casualty shows.

Isabella Stanbridge (above) and Evelyn Shand (below).

This year, the overall highly commended award went to young writer, Isabella Stanbridge, for her story Mystery Man, read by Melvyn Hayes, famous for his role as Bombardier 'Gloria' Beaumont in the hit TV show, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.

Finally, the over 18s award went to River Watson for his story, Cliche.

Robert Daws, known for his roles in The Royal, Coronation Street and Midsomer Murders, recorded the story, which was described as daring and captivating.

The results were announced amidst an evening of music and magic entertainment.

Among the performers was Double Take, Ben Stubbs, Maurice Kachuk and Huxley the Magician.

Claudia Summers (above) and River Watson (below).

Competition organiser, Chris Cane, said: “We were honoured to have such talented and famous readers again this year so a huge thanks to them for their help and support.

"This is one of our key fundraising annual events and so vital to continue to help raise funds for our members.

"We couldn’t have done the competition without the support of our generous local sponsors, ASDA, Busy Bee, Chale Parish Council, ComiCoffee, Margaret Dilley, Dinosaur Isle, The Entertainer, Hovertravel, Isle of Wight College Restaurant, Janice Ferguson, Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council, Sandham Office Services, Ventnor Botanic Garden, Wight Computers and the Wight Mouse Inn.”