A VOLUNTEER judge from Taunton in a Commonwealth-wide essay competition is appealing for more home-grown writing talent to enter.

Sabina Ahmed, who has held the role with the Queen's Commonwealth Essay competition for several years, said that although entries pour in from young people from other parts of the world, there are few UK entrants.

The 134-year-old initiative, run by The Royal Commonwealth Society in partnership with Cambridge University Press, is free to enter for anyone under 18 in a Commonwealth country.

All people taking part receive a certificate of participation, with four winners and runners-up invited to London for a week-long series of educational and cultural events.

The deadline is May 1 - for further details click here.