A COMPETITION open to all schoolchildren in Falmouth to design an 'oyster man' was launched on Friday.

The winning creation will lead the schools' grand parade during the Falmouth Oyster Festival in October. Students have until June 24 to come up with their designs.

"This could be in the form of a costume to be worn by a person, or it may be a stilt walker or a puppet or even a mechanical object to be carried or worked by several people," said John Frankland, competition co-ordinator. "The only limitation to the creativity of the design is that it must be capable of being made and reflect Falmouth and the oyster festival in some way."

Entries will be judged by a panel of local artists – John Dyer; the National Maritime Museum Cornwall's education officer, Stuart Slade; Peter Mason, chairman of the oyster festival; and Nigel Carpenter, owner of the St Michael's Hotel.

The winner will be announced on July 1 and receive a signed limited edition print of a painting especially created by Mr Dyer and a family meal at St Michael's Hotel.

"The aim is create a worthwhile competition which will leave a genuine legacy to the growth of the oyster festival and be a worthwhile project in its own right," said Mr Frankland. "As such, evidence of research leading up to the final choice of design should be submitted, including preliminary drawings and/or model. A high standard of presentation will also be one of the judging criteria.

"Schools are encouraged to support the application of their pupils by incorporating it as a classroom project."

The final submission should include a folder containing all the work towards the final design. The design itself should be drawn clearly, showing materials and workings. It can be supported by items such as video, ICT or photographs.

Judging panel
John Dyer Artist
Stuart Slade Education Officer Maritime Museum
Peter Mason Chairman of Oyster Festival
Nigel Carpenter Managing Director St Michaels Hotel

Prizes:
The winning student will receive a signed limited edition print of a painting especially created by John Dyer which will include the design in a Falmouth setting.