An annual awards scheme in memory of a former regional press journalist and amateur jockey has opened for entries.

The Wills Writing awards, which aim to encourage writing about horseracing, were launched in 1993 in memory of Martin Wills, an amateur jockey and journalist at Bradford’s Telegraph and Argus, who died in April 1992 at the age of 39.

There are three awards, for under 26s, under 19s and under 15s, and all regional press journalists are welcome to enter.

Entries can be fact or fiction but must have a horseracing theme.

Cash prizes of £1,250 to the winner and £750 to the runner-up are on offer in the under-26 category and the winners will be published in the Racing Post and The Irish Field.

The deadline for entries is the 28 February and for further information, visit the awards website here.