PRIZES ranging from scuba diving and power kiting, to a Jurassic coast cruise and fossil hunt, are up for grabs in a special competition.

PRIZES ranging from scuba diving and power kiting, to a Jurassic coast cruise and fossil hunt, are up for grabs in a special competition.

The Exe Estuary Management Partnership is encouraging people to capture their thoughts about the Exe through art in to celebrate the beauty of the Estuary.

Whether it is a photo, drawing, painting, collage or sculpture it is completely up to you, as long as it portrays what the Exe Estuary means to you.

The competition is open to everyone and there are two categories, one for under-14s and another for over-14s, with prizes available for the top four entries in each category.

All entries must be received by Friday 17 July. They will then be displayed on the Exe Estuary website and at the Exe Estuary Festival on Saturday 8 August at the Maer in Exmouth. A selection will also be published in the Exmouth Journal over the coming weeks.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, said: "The Exe Estuary is of international importance for wildlife and I'm sure that its stunning views will inspire some excellent entries for this competition.

"The Estuary is central to the lives of the communities and towns along its banks, and this event and the festival is a perfect opportunity to celebrate this beautiful part of Devon."

Jenny Lockett, Exe Estuary Officer, said: "The Festival, Spirit of the Exe, on 8th August 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 who 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."

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

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 artwork 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 thereby give permission to the Exe Estuary Management Partnership to use the image for display and promotion purposes.

To enter the art competition please send your entry to Exe Estuary Management Partnership, County Hall, Topsham Rd, Exeter, EX2 4QW.

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