Against the background of the Isle of Man hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011 and London the Olympic Games in 2012 a competition has been launched by Douglas Borough Council to create a design that interprets a sporting and Manx heritage theme for replacement lamppost banners along Douglas promenade and throughout the town. The Council has invited Ballakermeen High School, St Ninian’s High School, the Isle of Man College and youth organisations to participate in the competition which will attract a ?200 prize funded by the Community Events sub-Committee and a trophy cup for the winning design. The design brief requires the sporting and Manx heritage theme to be clearly defined; however the design should not depict any specific international sporting event logos, such as the Olympic Games interlocking rings symbol or the London Olympics and Paralympics 2012 emblem. Design submissions should be A3 size and of portrait orientation. The finished size of the banners will be 1.6m high and 60cm wide (5’3 x 1’11). When displayed on the lampposts the banners will be approximately 6.1m (20ft) above the ground. Entries, which should be accompanied by a plain postcard bearing the name, age and school of the designer(s) attached firmly together, must be received at Douglas Town Hall, Ridgeway Street by close of business on Monday February 28. Judging will take place on Monday March 7 when one single design will be chosen for the banners which are expected to be completed and erected by May 1, 2011 and to remain in position for several years. Youth organisations wishing to participate are requested to contact Douglas Town Hall for an entry form. Telephone 696300. Ends