YOUNGSTERS are again being given the chance to design the front cover of this year’s Fringe by the Sea programme.

The Courier-backed competition is open to every East Lothian primary school pupil and will mark Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.

The judges are looking for colourful entries that celebrate the coastline. Space must be left at the top of the image for the festival banner.

As well as drawings, entrants can opt for collages, paintings or computer-generated designs.

The winner will see their artwork feature on the cover of this year’s programme, with their name and school mentioned inside.

They will also receive show tickets and food of their choice from the festival vendors, to the value of £100.

Two runners-up will receive a family ticket for four people to one of Fringe by the Sea’s family shows.

All of the designs will be judged by Friends of Fringe by the Sea, festival management and the Courier Editor Robbie Scott.

Last year was the first time the competition was held and saw Emily Cowie, a P7 pupil at Gullane Primary School, chosen as the winner.

More than 30,000 copies of last year’s brochure, with Emily’s design on the front cover, were printed and distributed across the county.

Emily told the Courier last year: “I heard that I’d won when I came back from school camp. I’m so excited.”

Jackie Shuttleworth, general manager of Fringe by the Sea, said: “The inaugural cover competition was a great success and the winning design of a puffin on the rocks, designed by Emily, looked fantastic on the programme.

“We are looking forward to seeing all this year’s entries.”

The closing date for entries is Friday, March 27.

Entries should be sent to FBTS comp, The Lighthouse, The Heugh, North Berwick, EH39 5PX.