A professional artist is launching a children’s art competition in Ross-on-Wye that is giving kids the chance to see their favourite landmark on the side of a coach.

Paul Parkin is calling on kids in Ross to pick up their pens and enter National Express’ Colour the Coach competition – an initiative for youngsters to see their drawings of UK landmarks splashed across the side of a coach.

To enter children are being asked to draw their favourite local landmark and Paul, who is well known for his unique coffee portraits, will be judging entries from Ross and the wider region.

The best design, as chosen by Paul, will be turned into a special one-off ‘landmark livery’ to go on a National Express coach, while the winner will also be presented with a £50 cheque.

Paul, 54, said: “I’m really pleased to launch this fantastic competition and I can’t wait to see all the creativity and original designs produced by youngsters in Ross-on-Wye. What a great opportunity to proudly watch your design of your favourite landmark rolling across the region on a moving canvas.”

Giving advice to competition hopefuls, Paul added: “I want kids to put their own original style and stamp on their work so whatever their favourite landmark is, they need to give it their own personal flavour.”

National Express UK Coach Managing Director Tom Stables said: “This competition is a great opportunity for mini-Monets in Ross-on-Wye to show us their skills and have their masterpiece touring around the country, taking pride of place on one of our coaches. We are encouraging all kids to pick up their pens and have a go at Colour the Coach.”

‘Colour the Coach’ is open to children aged 5-15 and entrants should simply draw their favourite local landmark on an A4 sheet of paper using whatever drawing materials they want.

Entrants have until Monday, July 18th, to unlock their inner Rembrandts and send in an entry to National Express.

Entries to the competition must be landscape designs on A4 paper and need to be sent to National Express Coach Art Competition, National Express House, Mill Lane, Birmingham, B5 6DD.

For more information, visit the webiste:?www.nationalexpress.com or call 0871 781 81 81