A Norwich-based student has been long-listed in a world renowned creative writing competition.

Anna Metcalfe, who is studying her PhD in creative writing at the University of East Anglia, is one of 16 long-listed authors in line for the Sunday Times EFG Private Bank short story prize.

At £30,000, it is considered to be world's richest short story award, and attracts entries from all around the world. Others long-listed include a starry line-up of Pulitzer prize-winners as well as newcomers.

In Ms Metcalfe's story, Number Three, a British teacher arrives at a Chinese school for a work engagement; cultural differences result in devastating consequences for the Chinese host in charge of his stay.

She said she was inspired by her own experience of teaching in China.

The 26-year-old, who lives in the Golden Triangle and is originally from Lincolnshire, said: 'I feel very privileged to be long-listed. It was a very surprising.

'I have no expectations at all. I would love to make it onto the shortlist but I'm very happy to be long-listed.'

The shortlist will be announced on March 2, and the winner will be revealed at a ceremony in Stationer's Hall, London, on April 4.