SCHOOL children took part in a special literacy competition for the town's landmark Birthday.

To coincide with Basildon New Town’s 70th anniversary, Festival Leisure Park Basildon, launched its Festival in 70 years’ time Literacy competition.

In conjunction with Basildon Council and the Echo newspaper, the park invited primary school pupils to write about how they think the leisure park will look in 70 years’ time.

The winning entry will receive a £1,000 cheque for their school.

The 20 shortlisted entries are from Mia, 10, of Brightside Primary School Billericay

Evie from Great Berry Primary School, Langdon Hills

Shriya from Lee Chapel Primary School

Zayan from Lee Chapel Primary School

Ben from Lincewood Primary School

Oliver of Lincewood Primary School

Cheranpreet, aged nine of Maple Grove Primary School, Pitsea

Sarah from Millhouse Primary School

Jennifer of Noak Bridge Primary School

Quilters Primary School Billericay

Iris from Rayleigh Primary School

Zak from Riverside Primary School, Hullbridge

Oliver from Ryedene Primary School, Basildon

Freddie, 11, of Stapleford Abbots Primary School

Holly of The Grange Primary School, Wickford

Sophie, Year Five, Vange Primary School

Eliza of Whitmore Primary School, Basildon

Elizabeth Tuilp of Whitmore Primary School, Basildon

Sonya from Whitmore Primary School Basildon