News

IF you could see into the future, what stories would be making the Daily Echo front page headlines in the year 2010?

As part of work to improve life for family, friends and neighbours in Poole, budding journalists are being invited to write a Headline from the Future.

Over the next three weeks, young people aged 10-18 attending holiday clubs are being asked to write a front page headline and article for the Daily Echo in 2010 about how they want Poole to be in the future. Top competition prizes include a Shiner skateboard and Swatch Skin watch.

Neal Butterworth, Editor of the Daily Echo & Advertiser Series, said: ""We are delighted to be involved in what I am sure will be a very stimulating competition. We are always looking for talented journalists of the future and this is an excellent opportunity for someone to show their potential... and hopefully enjoy the effort which will go into their entry."

The articles are part of major campaign to produce a vision for Poole that plans for everyone's future and during exhibitions across the area this summer, local people will be encouraged to think about what they want to see in the future.

To help develop the vision for the town, representatives from all sectors of the community have joined together to form Poole's Local Strategic Partnership who will be tackling these questions. They need YOUR help to do the important job of shaping the future for Poole.

The closing date for the competition is 9 August and the winner will see their article published later this year. Entries should be limited to 450words and will be judged in age groups 10-13 and 14-18 by Neal Butterworth and Lisa Ellaway, Poole's Deputy Youth Parliament member and Liz Awty, Community Strategy Support Officer, Borough of Poole.

Katey Riddle, Poole's Youth Parliament MP said: "I think that this competition is a brilliant opportunity for young people to start making the headlines and voice their opinions. Poole's future is their future."

On 7 November 2002, the articles, text messages, postcards and other events will be used to form 'A Vision For Poole' at a 'Shaping our future' event at Poole Arts Centre. This will be the first step in producing a Community Strategy which plans for the future.

To have your say on how to improve Poole in the future, email future@poole-net.org.uk, text 07779 880397 or pick up a postcard from the future available in libraries, shops and across the area.

For more information on the competition contact Joanne Ward on 633080.

For more information contact Jon Dowty, tel: 633063.