ARTISTS in Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton can win a share in the £3,000 fund on offer in the Watercolour of the Year award.

Thirteen prizes of £100 -- plus 25 prints of the winner's painting -- will be awarded to local painters.

The overall national winner will receive a cheque for £1,000 plus 100 prints of their winning entry.

To take part, artists should send two examples of their work, (max size 420mm x 300mm) to Jeremy Henson, Competition Administrator, Remus House -- Coltsfoot Drive, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9JX.

Copies will be accepted for initial judging, but include return postage with originals. The closing date for entries is March 31.

Winning entries, and short-listed work will be included (with artists details) in a full colour catalogue that will be distributed, free of charge, to major buyers throughout the UK. Entry is free and copyright in all work will remain with the artist.

For a full copy of the competition rules visit www.forwardprints.co.uk