In a stunning victory for regional literature, Yorkshire-born writer Colwill Brown has been crowned winner of the prestigious BBC National Short Story Award 2025 for his deeply moving piece 'You Cannot Thread a Moving Needle.'
The winning story, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Yorkshire dialect and working-class experience, explores the complex emotional landscape of a young man grappling with his father's terminal illness while navigating the challenges of caring for his younger brother.
A Triumph for Regional Voices
Brown's victory marks a significant moment for regional writing in British literature. The judging panel, chaired by award-winning novelist Tessa Sheridan, praised the story's raw emotional power and its masterful use of dialect to create an immersive reading experience.
'You Cannot Thread a Moving Needle' stood out among nearly 900 submissions for its authentic voice and profound humanity, offering readers a window into a world rarely depicted with such honesty in contemporary fiction.
The Winning Story's Emotional Core
At the heart of Brown's narrative lies the poignant relationship between two brothers confronting their father's mortality. The title itself serves as a powerful metaphor for the story's central theme - the difficulty of maintaining connection and care in the face of constant change and impending loss.
Brown, who receives £15,000 in prize money, expressed both shock and delight at his achievement. "I wrote this story to capture the voices I grew up with," he explained during the award ceremony. "To see regional dialect celebrated on this national platform is incredibly meaningful."
Judges' Acclaim and Recognition
The judging panel unanimously selected Brown's entry for its exceptional quality. Judge and author Tessa Sheridan noted: "This story demonstrates how specific, regional voices can speak to universal human experiences. The emotional resonance is immediate and lasting."
Now in its twentieth year, the BBC National Short Story Award continues to champion emerging and established literary talent across the United Kingdom. Brown's winning entry, along with the four shortlisted stories, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and available via BBC Sounds, bringing this remarkable piece of regional storytelling to a national audience.
