A COMPETITION open to school children has been launched to mark Basildon New Town’s 70th birthday.

Primary school pupils are being invited to enter the competition by submitting a creative piece or poem, centred around what entertainment they think Festival Leisure Park will have in 70 years’ time.

The competition run by the leisure park and Basildon Council bosses, comes as part of the ‘festival in 70 years’ time’ campaign to mark the significant milestone.

Scott Logan, chief executive of Basildon Council, said: “This year is more than just celebrating 70 years of Basildon New Town, it’s also the perfect opportunity for us all to look to the future and help shape the development of Basildon.

“One of the great things about the 70th anniversary celebrations is how it is capturing imaginations and how so many different pockets of our community are keen to get involved.

“This is a great initiative from the Festival Leisure Park and the Echo and I can’t wait to see our future generations’ visions of Basildon’s future.”

All schools will receive £70, with the winning entry being awarded a cheque for £1,000 for their school.

The cheque will be personally delivered by the mayor and representatives from Festival Leisure Park, Basildon Council, and the Echo.

Once received, all entries will be shortlisted into the top ten.

Judges from Festival Leisure and Basildon Council will then have the tough task on choosing a winner.

Matthew Chambers, centre manager of Festival Leisure Park, added: “We’re delighted to be running our ‘festival in 70 years’ time’ campaign and it’s great to be able to work alongside Basildon Council to help celebrate Basildon New Town’s 70th Anniversary.

“We wanted to be able to give something back to the community and the future generations.”

Entries must be received by Friday, June 28 and must be no more than 70 words.

The top ten entries and the winning school will appear in the paper.

To enter, submit your entry by post or email - Festival Leisure at Basildon Town 70th Birthday Competition, Festival Leisure Park, Festival Way, Basildon, or email to info@festivalleisure.co.uk