The Exe Estuary is a stunningly beautiful place and is central to the lives of the communities and towns along her banks.

The Exe Estuary is a stunningly beautiful place and is central to the lives of the communities and towns along her banks. The Exe Estuary Management Partnership and Exmouth Journal would like to celebrate the wonderful Exe Estuary with you.

We are, therefore, running a competition aimed at encouraging you to capture your thoughts about The Exe through art. Whether a photo, drawing, painting, collage or sculpture, it is completely up to you as long as it symbolises what the Exe Estuary means to you.

Entries must be received by Friday, July 17, 2009.

There are two categories available: Under 14s and Over 14s. Prizes available for the top four entries in each category.

The competition is open to everybody and all entries will be displayed on the Exe Estuary website and at the Exe Estuary Festival on Saturday 8th August at The Maer in Exmouth. A selection will also be published in the Exmouth Journal over the next few weeks

And, if you don't want to enter your own art work, then be a judge for us instead! All those visiting the Exe Estuary Festival before 3pm will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite art work and the winners will be announced at 4pm on the day.

Remember, though - the entries will be judged on whether they have communicated what The Exe means to them!

Jenny Lockett, Exe Estuary Officer, said: "The Festival, Spirit of the Exe, on August 8 is the first of an annual event that will take place at different locations around the Exe Estuary each summer to celebrate and showcase The Exe and all of the clubs, activities and community groups which are part of the life and vibrancy of this very special place.

"This year the festival will be held on The Maer in Exmouth, opposite the seafront. Entry will be free with lots of activities and entertainment to enjoy."

For more information, please call Jenny on (01392) 382236.

The event is only possible because of generous sponsorship from Devon Cliffs, Darts Farm, South West Water and the Exmouth Town Management Partnership.

To enter the competition

Please send your entry to the

Exe Estuary Management

Partnership, County Hall,

Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QW.

Remember to include your name, age and contact details, including a phone number. For more information, contact Jenny Lockett on (01392) 382236 or email exeestua@devon.gov.uk

If you decide to enter a photograph of The Exe and the photo contains people, please be careful to gain permission to take their photo and explain the intended purpose. If the photo contains images of children, then you must provide the contact details for their parent or guardian so that the partnership may verify permission to display the picture.

The Exe Estuary Management Partnership reserves the right to censor art work for content and, if necessary, hold pre-selection votes if too many entries are received to be displayed - these will be voted for by the Forum Chairs. By submitting a piece of art, you give permission to the Exe Estuary Management Partnership to use the image for display and promotion purposes.

Great prizes include:

l Scuba Dive Session with

Jurassic Coast Divers

l Power Kite Lesson for two people with Edge Water Sports

l Family Cycle Hire Day with Exmouth Cycle Hire

l Family ticket to Powderham Castle

l Jurassic Coast Cruise with Stuart Line Cruises

l Private Fossil hunting walk with the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

l Family Day Out to Any Station in Devon and Cornwall - First

Great Western