NATIONAL Express has launched a children's art competition in Bury.

The Colour the Coach competition gives local children the chance to have their designs splashed across the side of a National Express coach.

The competition is being run by the UK's largest coach operator

To enter, children are being asked to draw their favourite local landmark and professional artist Mark Wigan, who is well known for having his illustrations emblazoned on Dr Marten's boots, will be judging the entries.

The best design, as chosen by Mr Wigan, will be turned into a special one-off ‘landmark livery’ to go on a National Express coach.

The winner will also be presented with a £50 cheque.

As part of the competition National Express is enlisting the help of local artists to launch the competition in regions all over the UK offering kids the chance to get their designs seen by thousands of people.

Mr Wigan said: "I'm really please to launch this fantastic competition and I can't wait to see all the creativity and original designs produced by local kids. What a great opportunity to proudly watch your design of your favourite landmark rolling across the region on a moving canvas."

Giving advice to competition hopefuls, he added: "I want kids to put their own original style and stamp on their work so whatever their favourite landmark is, give it your own personal flavour.”

National Express UK coach managing director Tom Stables said: "This competition is a great opportunity for mini-Monets in Bury to show us their skills and have their masterpiece touring around the country taking pride of place on one of our coaches. We are encouraging all kids to pick up their pens and have a go at Colour the Coach."

The competition is open to children aged five to 15 and entrants should simply draw their favourite local landmark on an A4 sheet of paper using whatever drawing materials they want.

Entries should be landscape designs on A4 paper and should be sent to National Express Coach Art Competition, National Express House, Mill Lane, Birmingham, B5 6DD by June 27.