LOCAL author Brian John, well known throughout the UK for his 'Angel Mountain' novels, has launched a competition to find a talented book illustrator for his first children's book.

The book, set in Haverfordwest shortly after the end of the Second World War, is provisionally titled 'The Strange Affair of the Ethiopian Treasure Chest', and it features the adventures of a gang of mischievous eight-year-olds.

Brian has been in touch with a number of established book illustrators, but has found nothing that quite matches his requirements. Undeterred, he

"We all know that West Wales is crammed with exceptionally talented artists, young and old," he said. "Out there I'm sure there is somebody who can provide illustrations that capture the charming innocence of the Just William books and combine this with the wit and bravado of Quentin Blake.

"I need six line drawings and a colour book jacket. The winner will get a number of prizes, including a cheque for £200. The last date for entries is Wednesday, October 20, and the winning artist will see the complete book in print in good time for Christmas."

Any local artist aged 17 or over can enter the competition, and Brian will send further details on request. Enquiries should go to Greencroft Books at [email protected]">[email protected].