AN artist is launching a children’s art competition in Sandwell which is giving youngsters the chance to see their drawings the side of a coach.

Paul Parkin is calling on children to pick up their pens and enter National Express’ Colour the Coach competition 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 in the West Midlands for his unique coffee portraits, will be judging entries from Sandwell 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 Sandwell.

"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 he added: “I want kids to put their own original style and stamp on their work so whatever their favourite landmark is, give it your own personal flavour.”

National Express UK coach managing director Tom Stables said: “This competition is a great opportunity for mini-Monets in Sandwell 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 18 July, 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.