Young writers are invited to get their creative juices flowing in a competition that could see their published story read by library users across Devon.

Devon County Council's library service has issued the challenge, welcoming stories of any length on the theme of 'Mythical Creatures'.

Entries can be as written stories, picture or comic books, and there are two age group categories: 5 to 10 years, and 11 to 16 years.

Four winners will be chosen - two from each age category - to have their stories published online as eBooks on the library service's new 'Kids eReading Room', www.devon.gov.uk/ebooks.htm, for other Devon library members to borrow.

Entries will need to include cover art, which will be displayed online.

The winners will also receive a £20 National Book Token.

Deadline for the competition is Saturday 28 June, with the stories published early July.

The 'Kids eReading Room' showcases a collection of books for children in eBook and eAudiobook format, which can be downloaded to most eReaders and tablets. They are free to borrow and incur no fines as they expire automatically at the end of the loan period. The books can be borrowed again if children have not finished them.

The competition theme, 'Mythical Creatures', complements this year's Summer Reading Challenge. The summer’s challenge, the 'Mythical Maze', is designed to encourage children to continue their reading during their summer holidays. It is organised by The Reading Agency.

To find out more about the competition, and for some creative tips, visit the library service website The Zone www.devon.gov.uk/thezone and www.devon.gov.uk/max-competitions.