A SCIENCE fiction story in the Star Trek genre, written entirely in Cornish, has won a prestigious literary award.

The Pewas Perghyryn, or Michael Palmer Award, was won by Rod Lyon, from Nancegollan, for his original science fiction story ’Dhe Emlow an Galaksi’ (To the Edges of the Galaxy)

The award was presented by Agan Tavas, The Campaign for the Cornish Language, at its annual meeting at the weekend at Murdoch House, Redruth.

The award is for new literature in Cornish or outstanding translation work and was given by the Palmer family in memory of Michael, who was a prodigious writer of  stories in Cornish. The name of the award reflects Michael’s bardic name.

Ray Chubb, secretary of Agan Tavas and spokesperson for the judges, said: ’Rod has written an excellent story in the Star Trek genre which had some interesting new science in it. A story which once started was difficult to put down.’

Members of Agan Tavas were particularly pleased that an original work, in the spirit of the writing of Michael Palmer, had won the award this year, the second time it has been presented.

The publisher of the book is The Cornish Language Board. Copies may be obtained through the Kowsva shop in Redruth.

A translation of The Story of Doctor Dolittle, (Drolla Doctour Dolittle), by Eddie Climo of Taunton and published by Gwask an Orlewen, was highly commended.