BBC National Short Story Award goes to David Constantine

David Constantine has been named the winner of the BBC National Short Story Award for his bittersweet tale 'Tea at the Midland'.

Constantine, whose most recent collection of short stories was 2009's The Shieling, was awarded his GBP 15,000 prize at a ceremony held last night (November 29th).

James Naughtie, chair of the judging panel, commented: ''Tea at the Midland' is remarkable for the rich poetry at its heart and the economy with which David Constantine creates a story with fully-formed characters and a memorable setting. It has imagination, depth and brevity.'

The night also saw Jon McGregor receive GBP 3,000 as the award's runner-up for his 'If It Keeps On Raining'.

Other works shortlisted for the accolade, which is now in its fifth year, were 'Haywards Heath' by Aminatta Forna, Sarah Hall's 'Butcher's Perfume' and 'My Daughter the Racist' by Helen Oyeyemi.

In 2009, Kate Clanchy won the BBC National Short Story Award with 'The Not-Dead and The Saved', while Sara Maitland was named runner-up for 'Moss Witch'.