Schools and families are being urged to think outside of the box for a fun competition designed to showcase youngsters' creativity.

The Perfect Packed Lunch Awards contest, run by the charity arm of the KM Group, offers primary school children the chance to win a prize bundle and see their artwork on display at a prestigious gallery.

Freya Briley from Wellbeing People, a key supporter of the event, said: “The Perfect Packed Lunch Awards gives children the opportunity to express themselves in a fun way and bring their imaginations to life.”

She added: “I would encourage schools, parents, and guardians of young children to help them engage with this project and go to town with it. Think outside of the box and have a fun, creative time.”

To enter, children must draw and write about the ideal lunchbox meal for a real or imaginary person. Competition categories include Historic, Healthy, Cheesy, Fantasy, Fairytale, Book Character, Famous Artist, Superhero, Knight, Pirate Captain, and Princess.

Finalists will attend an awards ceremony at the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury, where their work will go on display. New this year the overall winner will also receive a bumper prize pack of art supplies donated by Cowling & Wilcox.

Event organiser Sophie Wallace from the KM Charity Team said: “Children have so much fun crafting their entries and it’s very exciting for finalists to see their work exhibited to the general public. To ensure any young artists don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity, we’ve extended the competition deadline to Tuesday, November 7.”

Organisations partnering with the KM Charity Team for the contest include Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Golding Homes, Kent Libraries, and Canterbury City Council.

To view previous entries, or to enter, visit www.perfectpackedlunch.org.uk.