A BUDDING young artist could find themselves in the spotlight at Colchester Carnival.

The Colchester Carnival committee has launched a competition for creative children in association with the Gazette and Impact Signs.

Children under the age of 12 are invited to design a fire safety poster focusing on fire safety in the home.

The competition is an opportunity to highlight and educate families about potential risks.

The winner will be invited to join the carnival procession on September 14, riding on the back of a fire vehicle.

The design will be turned into a banner, courtesy of Impact Signs, to be displayed for all to see on the back of the vehicle.

Lee Quantrill, from the Colchester Carnival committee, said: “This year we have teamed up with Colchester Fire Station to combine a fun community event with the promotion of a serious message about fire safety in and around the home. “The idea is something new which we hope encourages youngsters to think about the importance of having working smoke detectors, having an escape plan, or not leaving cooking unattended for example, and designing a fun poster to demonstrate this.

“We are delighted the competition has been supported by the Gazette, Impact Signs, KAT Marketing and Essex Fire & Rescue Service.

“We look forward to meeting the winner and seeing them take their place within the carnival. Good luck to all entrants.”

To be in with a chance of winning, participants must be available on the evening of September 14.

“There will be a maximum of four seats on the fire vehicle, at least one responsible adult will need to accompany the winner.

A clear scanned image of your design should be uploaded to the competition page at www.colchestercarnival.co.uk.

Entrants must include their name, age, school, home town and contact number for a parent or guardian.

The original design should be kept safe to be submitted for printing if it is shortlisted.

The deadline for entries is Friday, July 19 and the winning entry will be announced in mid August.

The popular carnival is returning following a two-year break - with participants allowed to enter for free for the first time.

The procession theme this year will be Colchester and Proud.

Colchester Carnival Committee and Essex Fire and Rescue Service will use the winning poster in future advertising campaigns.