Toby Norways’ short story Muntjac was selected by the judges from 490 entries. Each entrant had to write a short twisted tale in less than 2000 words with no minimum word count.

Mr Norways said on hearing of his selection: “This is great news and a huge honour to have reached the final stages of this competition.”

Muntjac is a gruesome horror in which a philanderer faces his demons in a terrifying encounter on a country road.

The judges this year include Clive Barker (Hellraiser and Candyman), Julian Friedmann (Literary Agent), author Sarah Pinborough and Stephen Volk (BAFTA-winning screen writer).

Twisted is a collection of 50 tales of wickedness, evil and the paranormal.

After the next round, 50 stories will be published, online and in paperback, from the list of finalists. The book will also feature an introduction by a renowned and successful writer in the horror and paranormal field.

The 50 winning writers, composers and artists will be invited to a gala book launch in London where awards and prizes will be presented for outstanding work.