Be inspired by the beauty of Sussex

The West Sussex Gazette has joined forces with the West Sussex Record Office to invite you to capture in either prose or poetry just what it is that makes Sussex a special place for you. Entries must be no more than 100 words, and there will be two prizes '“ one for under-16s and one for over-16s.

Chichester-based local history publisher Phillimore is offering the two prizes '“ each of 100-worth of Sussex local history books from its extensive catalogue. The winners will be able to choose their selection.

The first Sussex Day was held last year, and its promoters are hoping it will gather momentum as a fixed focus celebrating the wealth of attractions the county has to offer.

As county archivist Richard Childs explained, Sussex Day was mooted a couple of years ago by Worthing resident Ian Steedman who approached the West Sussex Gazette and West and East Sussex County Councils, plus various local authorities.

The idea was to hold it on June 16, the feast day of St Richard, who is effectively the patron saint of Sussex.

"He is the saint of Chichester diocese, which is co-terminus with the county of Sussex," said Mr Childs.

The first Sussex Day was held last year, and the hope is that it will grow.

Mr Childs is keen to support it '“ but not in any 'this is what the county council has decreed'-type way. He is keen to offer it the chance to grow from the grassroots up.

Which is why this year the Gazette, the Record Office and Phillimore are looking for your own celebrations of Sussex. Though a Scouser at heart, Mr Childs is full of the virtues of Sussex, a beautiful part of the country with its glorious downland scenery and superb views of the sea '“ added to which are the wooded delights of the Weald. "There is just so much natural beauty around the place," he said.

West Sussex Gazette editor John Hammond echoed the point, saying: "We live in an extraordinarily beautiful county, and I feel sure '“ looking at the thriving arts communities across West Sussex '“ that there are many people who will rise to the challenge of capturing in words just what it is that makes Sussex stand out for them."

The closing date for the receipt of entries is Friday, May 30. The judging panel will include Phil Hewitt, of the West Sussex Gazette, and Mr Childs.

Please send your entries, including your name, address and whether you are under 16, to: Sussex Day Competition, c/o Phil Hewitt, West Sussex Gazette, Unicorn House, Eastgate Square, Chichester, PO19 1JN or email your entry to [email protected]

If emailing your entry, please put Sussex Day Competition in the Subject field. The names of the competition winners and their winning entries will be published in the West Sussex Gazette on Wednesday, June 18. A selection of the runners-up entries will also be published.

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