Children across the Wharfe Valley are being invited to “get creative” with Ilkley Carnival’s programme cover competition.

For over a decade, local school children have been asked to paint or draw a design in the theme of the Ilkley Carnival to adorn the cover of the event’s programme which was last year distributed to more than 8,000 visitors.

The Ilkley Carnival committee is opening this year’s competition to any child in the LS29 area – either through school, a local group or independently – to help widen the involvement in the build-up to the event on Monday, May 5.

Ilkley Carnival chairman Andrew Stacey said that 2014’s theme The Yorkshire Tour should inspire exceptionally creative artwork and by broadening the entry criteria, the committee hoped to double the number of entries received.

“We had around 300 entries last year but we are conscious that many more children could enter but don’t because their school may not be involved,” said Andrew.

“With every child from five to 16 now able to enter, we are looking forward to seeing even more creative talent and inspired entries from local children.”

The Ilkley Carnival Cover Competition invites children to draw, paint or even digitally produce a design that reflects The Yorkshire Tour theme. Sponsored for the third year by Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in Ilkley, the categories are ages five to eight, nine to 11 and 12 to 16. The overall winner will see their picture featured on the cover of the 2014 carnival programme and all three category winners will receive a Bettys goody bag and their framed artwork to take home on carnival day.

Robert Wagner, branch manager at Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in Ilkley, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for one child to have their design featured on the carnival brochure in the Tour de France year – the year everyone will be talking about for generations to come.

“Encouraging entries independently and through schools is a great way of involving even more children in the excitement and build up to Ilkley’s historic annual carnival – it really is time to get creative and make a lasting impression in this celebratory year.”

All entries must be received by Friday, March 14, and delivered in an envelope clearly marked Ilkley Carnival Cover Competition to Suzanne Johns, Approach PR, 32-34 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9EE. Ensure your name, age, entry category, address and contact number or e-mail are clearly written on the back of your entry.

For further details go to ilkleycarnival.org or follow @ilkleycarnival on Twitter.