Mary Watson hopes the prize will help her to pursue writing full time

Now in its seventh year, the Caine Prize continues to grow in stature, this year attracting 110 qualifying entries from 21 African countries.

Awarded to a short story by an African writer published in English, it bears a cash prize of £10,000 for the winning author and a travel award each for the short-listed candidates.

This year's winner, Mary Watson lectures in Film Studies at the University of Cape Town but she hopes that winning the Caine Prize will bring publishing deals to help her achieve her long-held ambition of becoming a full time writer.

Polly de Blank asked her about her winning story (includes audio excerpts from the text)

Click here to listen

Jungfrau is from 'Moss' published by Kwela Books, 2004.

Also on the judges' shortlist

Darrel Bristow-Bovey (South Africa), for 'A Joburg story', from 'African Compass - New Writing from Southern Africa 2005', published by Spearhead, 2005.

Click to listen to Darrel Bristow-Bovey discuss his story

Sefi Atta (Nigeria), for 'The Last Trip', from Chimurenga 8, 2006

Click to hear an interview with Sefi Atta

Laila Lalami (Morocco), for 'The Fanatic', from 'Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits', published by Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005.

Click to hear Leila Lalami discuss her work

Muthoni Garland (Kenya), for 'Tracking the Scent of My Mother', from 'Seventh Street Alchemy: A Selection of Writings from the Caine Prize for African Writing 2004', published by Jacana Media, 2005.

Click to hear more about Muthoni Garland's writing