SCHOOL’S across the borough are being asked to enter a competition that would see the artwork of pupils stand alongside top artists and celebrities.

The Elephant Parade is a global public art festival, which brings together the worlds of art, business and charity to create vibrant elephant statues that are then sold or auctioned to raise money for the Asian Elephant Foundation.

Six local schools will get the opportunity to take part on the festival when it comes to Lakeside from May 5-30.

Izzie Peskett, marketing manager for the shopping centre, said: “It is incredibly important to us that Elephant Parade’s message reaches as far and wide as possible so we wanted to involve the children of Essex and give them a unique opportunity to showcase their artistic skills.”

Schools can register their interest by contacting the marketing team at intu Lakeside on 01708 869933 by Wednesday, March 12.