CHILDREN across LS29 are once again being encouraged to get creative for the Ilkley Carnival Cover Competition.

Celebrating this year’s theme of ‘Best of British’, the annual competition challenges children aged five to 16 to create the image that will adorn the 10,000 carnival programmes produced for the May Day bank holiday event.

Last year, the carnival committee received over 250 fantastic entries, with the stunning ‘Fantasy and Fiction’ artwork created by 10-year-old Jessica Marshall, from Moorfield School in Ilkley, winning the top prize.

Judged by the Ilkley Carnival Committee and competition sponsors Bettys Café Tea Rooms, local children are invited to paint, draw or digitally design an image to reflect the carnival theme.

“We are hoping more children than ever will take part this year, whether through school or independently,” said Ilkley carnival chairman, Andrew Stacey.

“The Best of British theme is so broad and diverse, there should be some really exciting, colourful entries and we can’t wait to see the designs!”

With support from Bettys Café Tea Rooms for the fourth consecutive year, the three entry categories are ages five to eight, nine to 11 and 12-16.

One winner will be chosen for the cover of the programme, with the winners of each category receiving a goodie bag from Bettys and their framed artwork to take home on carnival day.

Keri Parker, retail assistant manager at Bettys Café Tea Rooms, said: “We’re always so impressed at the standard of entries submitted by the local children and are delighted to continue our support of Ilkley Carnival for what promises to be another colourful and successful year.”

All entries must be received by March 4, 2016 and delivered in an envelope clearly marked ‘Ilkley Carnival Cover Competition’ to Approach PR, 32-34 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9EE. Please ensure your name, age, entry category, address and contact number or email is clearly written on the back of each entry.

Reminder that the closing date for Ilkley Carnival primary beneficiary applications is February 19, 2016. Download an application form from ilkleycarnival.org or e-mail Mari Hunt on carnisec@gmail.com for more details.

The group chosen to be the primary beneficiary will receive 50 per cent of the profits from the 2016 event. Last year just over £12,000 was raised last year, with 50 per cent being split between four primary beneficiaries – All Saints Primary School, Ben Rhydding Primary School, Ilkley Pre-school Playgroup and Ben Rhydding Pre-school Playgroup.

“Selecting a primary beneficiary to receive 50 per cent of profits raised gives Ilkley Carnival the chance to make a significant difference to a specific group in our community," added Mr Stacey.

Visit ilkleycarnival.org for more details about the Ilkley Carnival Cover Competition, beneficiary applications or Ilkley Carnival itself.