Tania was "astonished and thrilled' to receive the news. Shelagh Weeks was also delighted to receive the runner-up prize: a signed copy of Martin Rowson's illustrated Tristram Shandy. Three further runner-up prizes, signed copies of Jackie Kay's Red Cherry Red, went to Nathan Connolly, Robert Weston and Ms K Swindlehurst.

The iPad was a gift to NAWE as a result of last year's conference booking with the Park Inn by Radisson, York. All NAWE members were invited to buy tickets in the draw, with all money received going towards the Enabling Fund for Young Writers.

The NAWE Conference will return to York this year, and details will be announced shortly.

Tania Hershman's stories are soon to be published on cutalongstory.com, where nearly 300 other NAWE members are also already registed. The site will go live in the next few months, selling short short stories as downloads for e-readers.