Three hugely promising writers had the last word when the final page of the 2025 Farnham Literary Festival was turned on Sunday evening.

An 11-day programme of 52 ticketed events ended in the town hall with the conclusion of the First Five Pages Writing Competition and awarding of the Paris Prize for Fiction.

The competition drew an international response with authors from afar as Canada, Australia and New Zealand submitting the first five pages of a working or planned book to an esteemed judging panel.

The top prize was £1,000 from supporter and international best-seller, BA Paris, with sums of £300 and £200 going to the second and third-placed entrants.

Andrew Okey came first with Jacopo’s Contract, an evocative tale of death coming to Venice, although sadly the Lancastrian author was unable to attend with friend Muiread O-Hanlon accepting the award on his behalf.

Jacqui Pack came third with her When I Was tale about a boy who believes he has lived before, while Caroline Davies mental-health focused entry, the Accidental Agony Aunt, came second.

The Solent-based pair were lauded by a panel including Louise Morrish, BA Paris, Gill Thompson and Melanie Whipman, with both hailing the confidence boost that comes from the accolade.