The town’s youngsters are being called to pick up their pencils, paintbrushes and cameras and get creative.

Mayor of London Borish Johnson is encouraging youngster from Croydon to take part in this year’s Fourth Plinth Schools Awards.

Schoolchildren are being asked to produce their own works of art inspired by the commissions that have appeared on the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square.

Top prizes include a trip to the Institute of Contemporary Arts. One winning entry from each borough will go on public display at the City Hall.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “The Fourth Plinth is located in the heart of London and has fuelled the imagination of some of the best artists in the world.

“We want youngsters in Croydon to come up with their own ideas.

“Pick up your pencils, paintbrushes, cameras, clay - whatever your tools, be inspired by the plinth and use your creativity. Who knows, we might even uncover a future Leonardo Da Vinci, Andy Warhol, or Yinka Shonibare.”

Those entering can use any medium, including drawing, painting, sculpture, collage, digital and video.

Group and individual entries are allowed and there is no limit to the number that each school can put in.

Students and schools need to submit artwork to the online gallery here. 

Deadline for entries is Friday 15 March 2013.