CHILDREN from all over Kent are being invited to create a work of art for a new competition called Kent Inspired 2006.

The competition, launched by Tunbridge Wells based The Children’s Mutual, the United Kingdom's only specialist in children’s savings, has been designed to establish the Kent Young People’s Art Collection, a body of work documenting the talent of local children.

The theme of the inaugural competition is Dreams, and entries are welcome in any media form.

Top prizes of £1,000 go to the winners of three age group categories, 3-6, 7-11 and 12-16 year olds; £500 to the entrant and £500 to their school or youth group. The winning children and 27 runners up will also receive a £10 gift voucher, courtesy of HobbyCraft, Maidstone.

Television presenter Michael Underwood is one of the competition judges along with Kent artist Graham Clarke, Amanda Cottrell, High Sheriff of Kent, and chairman of The Children’s Mutual, Andreas Whittam Smith. Michael Underwood, a youth icon through his work as a TV presenter, is a qualified teacher, and his break into TV came when he entered, and won, a contest at CBBC.

He said: “I think it’s a great opportunity for young people to have some fun showing off their creativity and talent. Who knows where it might lead?"

In addition to the prizes for the winners, for every entry received, The Children's Mutual will make a donation to Demelza Hospice Care for Children based in Bobbing, near Sittingbourne.

David White, chief executive of The Children’s Mutual, said: “The more entries, the better the exhibition becomes, and the more money we can raise for charity. So The Children’s Mutual wants Kent children to let their imaginations run wild. Whatever their dream may be, whether it’s to sail round the world, win a gold medal or simply how they see the world in the future, we would love to see their interpretation!”

Judging will take place at the Kent Inspired Art Day on Saturday November 18, at The Hop Farm at Beltring, near East Peckham.

A sum of £1,000 will also go to the winner of the People’s Choice competition, as voted for by the public on the day.

Visit www.kentinspired.co.uk, email info@kentinspired.co.uk or phone 01892 775316 for an entry form or more information.