Aer Lingus in partnership with the Irish News and Q Radio is calling on primary schools across Northern Ireland to enter their ninth Art for Schools’ Competition, where they will be giving away their biggest prize to date.

Not only will the winning class be flown by Aer Lingus from George Best Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow for a day-long visit to the city but they will also take a breathtaking flight on the London Eye, visit the London Sea Life Aquarium and round the day off by meeting their favourite DreamWorks characters, at Shrek’s Adventure London.

The challenge, open to all school children in primaries four, five and six, is to take a London landmark and give it an Aer Lingus makeover. London landmarks could be anything from Tower Bridge, Big Ben, The London Eye to Nelson’s Column or anything in between.

This year’s panel of judges, who include Andrea Hunter, Business Development Manager at Aer Lingus; John Brolly, Irish News Marketing Manager and Stephen Clements from Q Radio Breakfast Presenter, are looking for the use of vivid colours, imagination and creative flare.

Launching the competition Ms Hunter said: “We are delighted to team up with the Irish News and Q Radio to promote this year’s Art for Schools’ Competition. For the last nine years we have given one lucky class the chance to step out of their regular school lives for a day and jet off to experience the thrills and excitement that London has to offer.

“The teachers and children that have taken the trip tell us that it has been the highlight of their school year and we are thrilled to be able to broaden their horizons with a change of scenery in one of the culture capitals of the world.”

Helping to launch the competition, John Brolly, Irish News Marketing Manager praised the incredible imagination of children, adding: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to link up with Aer Lingus to allow children to really express themselves by creating what they think is the perfect makeover of a London landmark. We look forward to seeing the many works of art that will be submitted."

Art for Schools’ judge Stephen Clements said: "As a parent myself I am really delighted that Q Radio is involved with Aer Lingus in making this amazing day out in London possible for a lucky class.

“Taking part is important as well so I would encourage all schools to get the paint brushes and colouring pencils out as that is all part of the fun."

The deadline for competition entries is Friday 2nd December, 2016 and the winning class will be announced by Q Radio on Friday 9th December with a special visit from the Q Bus to their school.

To enter the competition simply cut out Friday’s boarding pass in the Irish News, attach it onto your London Landmark design and send to Aer Lingus Competition, The Irish News, 113-117 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2GE. All entries should arrive no later than Friday 2nd December 2016.

For more information visit www.irishnews.com/artforschools