Book news company The Bookseller reported on Monday that Cheltenham-based primary school teacher Claire Lincoln Gordon has been awarded the 2026 Rooker Prize, a story-opening competition launched by Lewes Football Club in 2022 and sponsored by Hachette UK, for the first 400 words of a middle-grade fantasy work.

The initiative was established to encourage creativity among the club's owners and supporters, with a focus on making novel-writing more accessible to individuals with limited time. Lincoln Gordon's entry was inspired by a conversation with her son, prompting her to begin writing.

As part of the award, she will receive a one-to-one editorial session with Hachette UK and a GBP250 charitable donation. She has elected to donate the funds to Winston's Wish.

Maura Wilding, group communications director at Hachette UK, said the company aims to support emerging voices through the initiative. The judging panel, chaired by Lola Young, also recognised entries from Diana Wilkins and Jo McClean. Judges included Suzy Wrack, Emad Akhtar and Mark Crick.