In a bid to find London's next generation of great writers, artists or sports stars, Croydon's secondary school teachers are invited to nominate pupils for a new competition.

The London Student Awards in association with the Croydon Guardian and BBC London form part of London's Schools Celebrating Achievement, a new campaign to celebrate significant improvements within the capital's schools.

The six award categories performing arts, sport, creative writing, art and design, information communications technology and science are open to pupils in years nine to 11.

One student is nominated for each category by their teachers and six Croydon winners will go on to a London-wide final.

Tim Davies, headteacher at Addington High School, said: "I was delighted to hear about these new awards for London's students.

"Schemes such as these are extremely important in recognising and rewarding students' achievements and I hope they will help generate more awareness of the wealth of talent within our borough's secondary schools."

Prizes for the overall winner in each category include a visit to the set of Hollyoaks and a training and fitness programme from the David Beckham Academy.

Director of football at the academy, Terry Byrne, said: "There are so many talented and gifted pupils in London's schools and the London Student Awards will give them recognition for all their hard work."

Commenting on Croydon's improving GCSE results year by year, schools minister Andrew Adonis said: "This is no mean achievement. Sustaining improvement over a period of time doesn't come easily and I know that everyone involved in Croydon education will have worked very hard to ensure results keep moving upwards."

Deadline for entries is April 21 and finalists will be announced in May.

If your school needs additional nomination packs call 020 7344 8783.