STORYTELLERS are being put pen to paper and highlight awareness of the devastating impact of the 'hidden homeless'.

Bolton-based SHARE — Students Homelessness Awareness Raising Enterprise — has launched a writing initiative to mark the recently held World Book Day 2018 to celebrate literature.

SHARE was created after students at Bolton Sixth Form created a book highlighting homeless in their town, which was officially launched by Dave Spikey, award-winning writer and comedian, two years ago.

Former Bolton Sixth Form student Jake Kirkman, who is co-ordinating the project, said: " Two years ago on World Book Day, we launched the first edition of SHARE at Bolton Sixth Form College, which became a great success in raising of awareness of homelessness and promoting literacy skills amongst young people; an often overlooked contributing factor to homelessness.

"We're calling all storytellers from Bolton and afar to produce creative pieces on the theme of hidden homelessness, entrants don't have to stick to this theme, but as long as it's about homelessness we'll accept the entry."

Those taking part can produce written work — poetry, short stories, articles — photography, artwork/graphics, music, short film or anything which is creative.

Jake said: "Over the coming months we will be sharing educational content about hidden homelessness, therefore people can learn more about it as a whole. The most successful entries will be reproduced in our yearly anthology and used on our website and social media sites."

There will be prizes for the 'best' pieces. and the competition is open to everyone.

Closing date is September 10.

Entrants can submit entries to: info@sharebolton.co.uk or use the contact form here.

To keep updated and for more information follow @SHARE_Bolton on Twitter or via the website sharebolton.co.uk

There will be prizes for the 'best' pieces. and the competition is open to everyone.

Closing date is September 10.