CHILDREN and young people are being urged to think green and take part in the 2019 creative writing competition.

To celebrate the fact that 2019 is the Year of Green Action and Liverpool City Region’s Year of the Environment, St Helens Libraries decided that this year's competition will see writers put our planet and environment at the forefront of their minds. They are asked to write a short story, of no more than 500 words, using one of the story starters or story endings that you can find on the entry form.

There will be two categories, for primary and secondary, and three prizes up for grabs in each: These prizes are a £50 book token for the first place, £30 book token for second place and £20 book token for third place.

This competition is open to all children and young people who live in or go to school in St Helens.

Call in to any Library in St Helens to collect your entry form or download and print from the website at bit.ly/SuperWriters2019

The deadline for entries is Saturday, April 27 and can be returned to any St Helens Library or by email to karenthornburn@sthelens.gov.uk. All entries should be clearly marked with the writer's name, age, address and school.

On Wednesday, April 10 there will also be creative workshops with Mark Powers the author behind the book series Spy Toys. The ‘Show, Don't Tell’ workshop will help competitors to bring their stories alive.

The workshops will take place at: Haydock Library from 10am, Parr Library from 11.30am, Eccleston Library from 2pm and Billinge Library from 3.30pm.

Places are limited and booking is essential. To book email karenthornburn@sthelens.gov.uk or call 01744 677446.