The BBC World Service announces the  25th International Radio Playwriting Competition 2016, open to anyone over 18, writing in English, living outside the UK.

Entering the competition
This is the 25th International Playwriting Competion - brought to you by the BBC World Service & British Council, in partnership with Commonwealth Writers and co-produced by The Open University.

The competition is open from 1 October 2015 to 31 January 2016.

This is open to anyone over 18, living outside the UK - whether you're a new or established writer. There are cash and travel prizes for writers with English as a First Language and for writers with English as a Second Language.

Find full rules and details of prizes here.

In order to enter you need to send:

• A script for a 53 minute radio play with up to 6 central characters - we are unable to return these, so make sure you keep a copy

• A synopsis which outlines your play is no longer than 400 words

• A completed form, attached to your play and synopsis.

See full rules on website

From how to start writing, to tips on writing in English and making your characters come alive - find tips, advice and video here.