A SCHOOL museum has launched a short story contest for science fiction fans.

The Rumble Museum, based at Cheney School in Headington, is offering children the chance to have their futuristic ideas turned into a published short story.

It wants young people aged 16 and younger to submit a premise and opening lines for a science fiction short story, outlining a description of the world or society the story is set in, the main characters and plot, and the first 350 words or first page.

The museum is running the competition in association with the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the UK’s premier prize for science fiction literature.

Award director Tom Hunter said: "The award was originally established to promote the best of UK science fiction writing, and we’re delighted to partner with this new initiative, encouraging future generations to develop their imaginations and creative skills and to work with some of the finest science fiction writers working today."

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The deadline for entries is October 31 and six winning entries will be chosen.

Authors will then write six short stories, one based on each of the entries.

One overall winner will receive a trophy, while two runners-up will get book tokens.

The six short stories will be published in an anthology.

Lorna Robinson, director of the Rumble Museum, said: "People often view museums as places to think about and explore the past, but they are also places where we can think about and envisage the future.

"We have launched our Future Season to highlight the ways that museums can encourage young people and communities to engage with ideas about where we are all heading.

"We are privileged to be working with the Arthur C. Clarke Award on this unique science fiction short story competition."

Winners will be invited to an awards ceremony, and to exhibit their ideas, in March next year.