iVillage.co.uk hunt for young talent to enter the Wicked Young Writers' Award

This year, award-winning musical Wicked runs its third annual Young Writers' Award. Lauded by The Times as 'prestigious', the initiative recognises excellence in writing, encourages creativity and helps develop writing talent in people between the ages of 5 and 25, from all backgrounds and areas of the UK.

At iVillage.co.uk we’re passionate that everyone in the family can get involved, so we’ve teamed up with Wicked to host exclusive competitions and fun features over the next few weeks. To kick things off we'll have free downloadable colouring and activity sheets so, while your older children are writing, their younger brothers and sisters needn’t feel left out.

There are two colouring-in designs to download: The Wicked witches on-stage and the Wicked poster design. Afterwards, scan the coloured-in designs to your computer as we'll be launching a picture gallery of kids' efforts.

We’ve also got an exclusive introduction from Chair Judge Michael Morpurgo, former Children’s Laureate and author of War Horse, who describes his passion for the award: 'The Wicked Young Writers' Award is something very close to my heart. Last year my fellow judges and I were delighted to read so many stories that were passionately felt and honestly written down, and where the young writers had found their own unique voices. I’m looking forward to another successful year.'

Young writers are free to submit entries until Tuesday 31st July 2012. A shortlist of 100 finalists will be announced in the autumn, and invited to join Michael Morpurgo and patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall for a special showcase at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, home of the multi award-winning Wicked stage show.

Visit the Wicked Young Writers' Award website to find out more, including writing tips from Michael Morpurgo, footage of previous winners, plus suggestions for young writers and how they can get their schools involved.