A BLAENAU Ffestiniog teenager has been heralded as ones of the nation’s brightest writing talents.

A-level student Branwen Williams at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s Dolgellau campus penned a short story some time ago on the subject of arranged marriage, titled ‘Escape’.

Encouraged by her teacher at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, she entered the story into the year 12-13 Creative Writing category at this year’s Eisteddfod yr Urdd and was delighted to find out that she had secured third prize.

Branwen’s story is about a girl who decides to run away from home after she learns that she is about to be forced into an arranged marriage.

It is set in the UK some centuries ago and addresses the subject of confronting society’s expectations.

Receiving the certificate, Branwen said: “I had almost forgotten that I had entered the competition and I certainly did not expect to come third.

“It was a really nice surprise and my thanks must go to my tutor who encouraged me to enter in the first place.”

Branwen plans to go on to study English Literature at degree level once she finishes her A-levels at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and she has secured a place at Cardiff University to start her degree there this September.