Time is running out for budding young designers to show off their creative skills in Isle of Man Newspapers’ Design an Ad competition.

Primary and secondary school students have until tomorrow (Friday) to enter the contest, which sees winning pupils being awarded up to £450 towards their school funds.

This year the competition marks its 25th anniversary.

Students aged from four to 16 are invited to design adverts for island businesses and organisations.

They include the Steam Packet Company; Unesco Biosphere Isle of Man; Manx Utilities; The Ticket Hall; Magazzino; Grenaby Estates; Shoprite and Isle of Man Newspapers.

Editor Richard Butt said: ’Isle of Man Newspapers’ Design an Ad competition offers students across the island the chance to learn about what makes a good advert and what it takes to create one by having a go at making one themselves, following a brief set by sponsor companies.

’The competition has been running for 25 years, which is testament to the high regard in which it’s held.

’Over the years, we have had some fantastic entries and we look forward to having a look at this year’s creations once the deadline has passed.’

Along with the prize money towards the winners’ schools, the students behind the winning creations will also take home a trophy and book vouchers.

To take part, entries should to be sent to Design an Ad, European House, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 5ED.

Finalists will be invited to attend a prize presentation in June. Selected designs will be published in the Manx Independent in July.

Since January, newspaper sales manager Emma Mann has been busy visiting schools to talk about the competition.

She has also shared with students what it takes to work in the industry and how the company designs its advertisements.

For more information about the Design an Ad competition contact Emma Mann on 695615 or email [email protected]