Children are being encouraged to explore what is on their doorstep, as plans for an ambitious project are announced.

For this year’s fifth ‘Drawing in Dunmow’ event, organisers want to create an art trail leading from the library, in White Street, to the Riverbank Walk at St Mary’s Church.

The route – which will pass a number of businesses and shops in the town – will be filled with children’s artwork, inspired by the youngsters’ local surroundings.

For the chance to have their work on display, children have to get their creative juices flowing and create a piece based around the theme ‘It’s Our World’, and enter the Drawing in Dunmow competition.

Project co-ordinator Catherine Mummery said: “This is a starting point for children to be creative and explore where they live. It will also get them to think about the environment and what is local to them.”

The winning entries, which should be no bigger than A4 in size, will be selected and displayed at The Dunmow Library, The Aubrey Gallery and in the windows of shops and business along Dunmow’s high street on Saturday, October 18.

The competition was launched by Dunmow artist Tom Deakins, who unveiled a new collection of his own work, dating back 25 years, at the Dunmow Library.

He said: “I hope that over the summer children will take time to find somewhere that means something to them and that they will want to create a picture or artwork inspired by that place.”

The competition is open to all children aged five-16 and entry is free. Details can be found at the library. The contest ends on October 10.

Drawing In Dunmow is organised by arts company High Stile Projects in partnership with the Dunmow Library, St Mary’s Riverbank and local schools and groups.

More information: Catherine Mummery 01371 859767 or email catherinemummery@btinternet.com.