The Argus is inviting budding artists to show off their skills.

We would like you to dream up the design for our Christmas card, which is sent to thousands of homes, companies and groups in the run-up to the festive period.

This is the Year of the Artist and to celebrate we are asking everyone, from grandmothers to schoolchildren, to put pen or brush to paper.

The winner will be featured in the newspaper, accredited on the card and receive a large supply for their personal use.

Steve Lowe, Argus promotions manager, said: "There is no age limit and no limit to the ideas people can come up with.

"The design could be funny, traditional, modern - just use your imagination! We want to offer amateur artists the chance to show us what they can do."

Entrants must be amateurs. Designs should be in colour, felt tip or paint and on A4 paper. Unfortunately we cannot return any pictures.

Please do not fold entries. Write your name, address and age on the back. The closing date is Monday, November 6, and the editor's decision is final.

Send designs to: Christmas Card Competition, The Evening Argus, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton BN1 8AR.