TALENTED artists are being called upon to take part in an octopus-themed art project.

Creatives are being invited to get involved with Octopus Ahoy - which is a large-scale public art and charity project to celebrate the 400th anniversary since the birth of the Mayflower in Harwich.

Artists can now submit artwork to adorn more than 100 octopus sculptures which will form the art trail across the county next summer.

From July 4 until September 12 next year, Harwich, Tendring and the wider Essex area will be taken over by Octopus Ahoy sculptures in a public art trail.

Anyone with artistic flair is able to enter, with the deadline for submission closing on December 13.

Following the closing date, the designs will be reviewed and chosen artists will be commissioned to complete their artwork next spring, with successful artists paid an honorarium of £750.

Katie Skingle, director of KAT Marketing, which is behind the development of the project, said: “We are very fortunate to have such a breadth and depth of artistic talent to call upon in Essex for amazing community art projects, like Octopus Ahoy. “We’re really looking forward to seeing all the submissions as they flood in over the coming months and would implore artists of all standing to get involved.”

To get involved with the project, visit octopusahoy.co.uk/art/ or email octopus@katmarketing.co.uk.