Mervyn Peake Awards open for entry

A leading charity in the UK is encouraging people to join up to the 2010 Mervyn Peake Awards, which celebrates the creative abilities of people with Parkinson's disease.

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) said that anyone in the UK with the condition can get involved by submitting a piece that is from one of three categories: art, poetry and photography.

Both experienced artists and new starters are encouraged by the Mervyn Peake Awards, which the charity says is the "perfect opportunity" for people to pick up their paintbrush, pen or camera, with a deadline of Wednesday March 31st for entrants.

Paul Jackson-Clark, the fundraising director for the charity, said: "Last year's awards were a huge success. This year the awards reception falls on the late Mervyn Peake's birthday, so it will be an extra special occasion for all the participants to meet and view the exhibition."

Mervyn Peake, who passed away in 1968, had Parkinson's disease and is best known for his creations, such as illustrations for Gormenghast and Alice in Wonderland.

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