A former Westmorland Gazette journalist has won a major writing prize and is set to debut a new play.
Beth Broomby, who began her career at the Gazette, has been awarded the New Writing North Arvon Award for Fiction for her debut novel.
She is now preparing to bring her short play Helium Stars to the stage at The Dukes in Lancaster.
Ms Broomby said: "Winning the New Writing North Arvon Award for my first novel was a big moment, and now to have a play performed at The Dukes feels particularly special.
"I began my working life at the Westmorland Gazette, more than 20 years ago, but it was a hugely important time in my life.
"I’m fascinated by the stories that sit underneath the headlines – particularly the stories that have been overlooked or feel unspeakable."
Helium Stars is set in Cumbria on the night of the Government’s apology to women and children affected by the forced adoption scandal.
The play was inspired by research by Dr Micheal Lambert at Lancaster University, where Ms Broomby is head of news and research communications.
It also draws on oral history archives in Kendal and the work of campaigners who fought to shed light on the issue.
The play will be performed as part of Vignettes, a showcase of new short plays produced by Manchester-based HER Productions.
The programme features work by five female writers from across the North West.
Ms Broomby has previously developed stage work with Paines Plough and Theatre by the Lake.
She was also selected for the 2026 Channel 4 Cumbria Screenwriters Hub through New Writing North.
Her award-winning novel is a crime thriller set in a fictional local newspaper office in the Lake District.
Vignettes will run at The Dukes in Lancaster from September 17 to 19.
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