FOUR hundred years ago a little known writer from Stratford upon Avon burst onto the London stage with a string of popular plays.

Now, not only is Shakespeare feted in Hollywood, but the date of his birth has been declared World Book Day.

And to celebrate, SAM has joined forces with publishers Little Brown to offer 15 lucky readers the chance to win four books by contemporary authors.

Shakespeare is reputed to have been born on April 23, 1564, and by a coincidence worthy of one of his plays, died on the same day in 1616.

To celebrate World Book Day, being held for its second year, Little Brown is giving away book sets with works from David Baddiel, Joseph Kanon, Patricia Cornwell and Edwina Currie.

And all you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a set is answer the simple question below and send your entry, with your name and address to Shakespeare Competition, Messenger Newspapers, Brindley House, 25 Ashton Lane, Sale, M33 6TP, to arrive no later than next Friday, April 9.

The editor's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Entrants must be 16 years or over.

QUESTION: Which film swept the board at this year's Oscars?

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