Words and pictures on the games

The Rotary Clubs of Biggleswade and Biggleswade Ivel are inviting children and young people to take part in their Young Writer and Young Photographer 2011-2012 competitions.

As Chronicle Country prepares for London 2012 the theme is ‘Olympic dreams’ and ‘Olympic spirit’ and the contests are open to anyone aged from seven through to 17.

Entries will be divided into three sections – junior (seven to 10), intermediate (11 to 13) and senior (14 to 17).

The writing competition asks entrants to submit a piece on the theme, which can be work which has been written for schoolwork or something which has been prepared especially for the competition.

Writers can prepare poems which can be up to 400 words in length or pieces of prose, which can be longer.

For prose entries juniors should write up to 500 words, intermediates up to 800 and seniors a maximum of 1,600.

Young photographers are asked to submit a portfolio of four prints, which can be colour or black and white, no larger than A4 in size and preferably printed on photographic paper.

Entrants are also asked to explain in no more than 50 words how their picture relates to the theme.

The competition aims to encourage people to experiment with photography through digital or traditional methods.

Mary Whitehead from the Rotary Club of Biggleswade Ivel said: “The London Olympics are sure to capture the imagination of children and young people and we think this is a great chance for writers and photographers to show off their talents.

“The winning entries in each age group will be put forward for the Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland competition so this is a good opportunity.”

To enter download an application form at www.rotary1070.org/youth and then email the completed document to Mary Whitehead at [email protected]

All entries should be submitted by Saturday, January 14.