Shepway youth encouraged to get involved in national political writing competition

Journalists of the Press Gallery have started their annual search for the best young political writers of tomorrow in a competition designed to encourage students to voice their views on government and politics. The winners are invited to tour the Houses of Parliament and meet leading politicians and political journalists.

The topics for this year's competition are:

Years 10-11: if you had half an hour to meet the Prime Minister, name one thing you would ask him to do to make Britain a better place, explaining why you think he should adopt your idea, and how it would improve life for the people it would affect.

Years 12-13: imagine the Prime Minister's youth policy adviser has asked you to devise an effective media campaign to promote a more positive image of young people. Set out the timetable and strategy for your campaign as part of the proposals you are submitting to the PM.

The closing date for entries is Friday 10th November - full details are on the competition website www.writenow.org.uk.