CHILDREN are being invited to play their part in York's inaugural Roman Festival by putting crayon or paintbrush to paper.

Festival organisers are launching a competition for youngsters, asking them to produce a drawing or painting on a Roman theme.

Prizes include being photographed in Roman regalia, courtesy of Past Images, family meals donated by Browns, Mana Greek Restaurant and the Roman Bath pub, and family passes to the Treasurer's House, York Minster Undercroft and Barley Hall.

The competition is split into three age categories - up to six, seven to ten and 11 to 15 - and the drawings or paintings should be on A4 paper, with the entrant's name, age, address and telephone number on the back.

Entries in an envelope marked Roman Competition, should be posted to the City Centre Manager's Office, Central Building, Parliament Street, York, Y01 8RH. The closing date for submissions is Thursday July 24.

The competition will be judged in St Sampson's Square on the morning of Saturday, July 26, by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Chas Hall.

The festival, backed by City of York Council, will feature a range of activities, ceremonies and presentations, on July 26 and 27.

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, July 10, 2003