THE Essex Library Service has launched a competition for children in an effort to raise awareness on a prevalent national issue.

The organisation which runs 74 libraries and two mobile libraries across the county, has officially started its creative writing competition today. 

It’s in collaboration with Essex Police’s Violence and Vulnerability Unit to raise awareness about knife crime in Colchester

Anyone aged between 11 and 13 can enter the competition until Sunday October 29.

To enter, all you have to do is pen a creative story, poem, diary, or comic strip on the topic of knife crime.

Alternatively, you can enter the competition via a comic strip workshop being held in numerous locations during October half term.

The dates, locations, and times for the free workshops include:

Monday October 23

Colchester Library, 2.30pm to 4pm

Tuesday October 24

Tiptree Library, 11am to 12.30pm.

Greenstead Library, 2.30pm to 4pm.

Wednesday October 25

Prettygate Library, 2.30pm to 4pm

Friday October 27

West Mersea Library, 11am to 12.30pm

The winner of the event will receive £500 for their school, alongside a £100 cash prize for themselves. The second and third positions will also receive a financial reward.