The Fenland Reed, a literary magazine based in Ely, celebrates its first birthday this month with the publication of its third issue.

Established by Ely-based writers Jonathan Totman and Mary Livingstone (Fenland Poet Laureates 2015 and 2016), the magazine is published biannually.

It has one themed and one non-themed issue each year, and features new poetry and prose from emerging and established authors.

Jonathan Totman, editor said: “The magazine has gone from strength to strength, attracting submissions from across the country and even overseas.

“The third issue also features the winning entries from this year’s Ouse Washes Poetry Competition, for which poets were invited to respond to photographs of Fenland landscape and wildlife.

“First prize went to Rachel Plummer, second prize to Elisabeth Sennitt Clough and third prize to Emma Danes, with Matt Barnard and Josephine L. Martin highly commended.”

Mary Livingstone, editor, said: “When we started out, we had little idea that within a year we’d be publishing acclaimed writers from across the world, showcasing our contributors at a poetry festival, and running our first poetry competition.

“With each issue we discover new, exciting writers from both East Anglia and further afield, and are newly surprised by the talent of those we already know.

“We feel very lucky to have the privilege of publishing their work. Thank you to all our readers, contributors and supporters for helping the magazine grow.”

A launch evening for issue three will be held at Babylon Gallery, Ely on November 26, where there will be readings from contributors. Booking is essential; email thefenlandreed@gmail.com to reserve a place.

Visit www.thefenlandreed.co.uk to buy The Fenland Reed or to find out about submissions for the fourth issue; the theme is “borders and bridges”.