ORGANISERS of the Oexmann art competition in Devizes are hoping for a big entry from schoolchildren in the area.

They have contacted schools from all over Wiltshire to take part in the junior section of the competition held in memory of former resident of Potterne, Theophila Joan Oexmann, whose American husband founded the award in her memory.

The contest is held every two years and the first prize in the adult section is a very handsome £500, with £300 for the runner up and £200 for third place. There are also significant cash prizes in the junior sections.

The competition is organised by the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, owners of Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes, and this year the competition manager is former chairman Lt Col Colvin Chamberlain.

He said: "This year we have made a great effort to involve all the schools in Wiltshire and are hoping to get a good turnout from them, possibly even an entry from all the staff and pupils at one primary school."

Entries in both junior and adult sections should be delivered to the museum in Long Street between May 21 and 27.