Worth Valley schoolchildren are being invited to put pen to paper to help celebrate the arrival this summer of the Tour de France Grand Depart.

Rotarians from the Haworth & Worth Valley club are staging a children’s writing competition on a Tour theme.

Youngsters from seven primary schools in the Worth Valley cluster are taking part.

“This is the third year we have run the competition, and we thought it would be a good idea this time to adopt a Grand Depart theme,” said Chris Bown, for the club.

“We usually get a positive response to the competition – which is designed to encourage young children to use their skills, imagination and creativity – and it is an excellent way for us to develop contacts with local schools.”

The contest is organised by club member, Margaret Hammond.

Initial judging will be carried out within the schools, with two winners each from key stages one and two going forward to a final. All entrants will receive certificates, and winners will be presented with book tokens.