The finalists of a short story competition are practising their lines ahead of a reading in front of a live audience.

A total of 12 finalists, including Wimbledon Guardian chief reporter Becky Middleton, will be reading their 500 word entries aloud as part of the Wimbledon BookFest short story competition.

Entries were shortlisted by judges who include actor Jenny Lee, BookFest chairman Tony Kane and creative writing lecturers at Roehampton University.

On Friday, October 10, finalists will read their entries to an audience.

Winners will be chosen on the night by the public and judges’ votes.

Each entrant will have their work published in the 2014 Collection of Short Stories which will be available to them free of charge on the night.

It will be held on Friday, October 10 in the William Morris tent in Wimbledon Common from 6pm to 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and are available from here.