KEEN readers with an eye for design are being encouraged to take part in a new competition being run by CrownGate Shopping Centre.

In the run up to World Book Day, on March 5, CrownGate has launched a competition to decorate bookbenches dotted around the centre.

CrownGate are inviting all students aged seven and up, who are in full time education in Worcestershire, to send their design ideas for the new book-shaped seating area for the shopping centre.

By introducing the competition during National Book Week, it is hoped the project will complement existing activity in schools, colleges and universities and inspire creativity across the whole community.

Sara Matthews, CrownGate Shopping Centre marketing manager, said: "The idea for the BookBench competition came from the National Literacy Trust’s ‘Books About Town’ art trail that took place across London throughout the summer last year.

"We are working with the same company, Wild in Art, who worked in partnership on the London project.

"We are really excited to bring something completely different and new to Worcester that will hopefully capture the imaginations of children and young adults across the county, whilst also providing a practical seating area for shoppers to enjoy."

Ben Reed, education manager for wild in art, said: "We are delighted to be working with Crowngate Shopping Centre on this exciting initiative. Our sculptures are designed to inspire pupils, teachers and the general public and we cannot wait to see what designs the schools come up with via the competition."

The submission deadline for BookBench designs is Friday, March 20, after which a panel of judges will select the winners, who will then have a blank bench sent to their education provider, for decoration.

The benches will be returned to CrownGate in time for the start of the BookBench Exhibition, open from Saturday, March 25, for 10 weeks, with a host of activities planned for the duration.

To find out more visit crowngate-worcester.co.uk/bookbench.