Children across Cumbria can enter an art competition which will see their works exhibited at Florence Arts Centre in Egremont and have the chance to win books for themselves and their school libraries.

Storyteller Steve Wharton originally wrote the story of Sylwedyth to help children engage with an exhibition of space science at The Beacon Museum.

Sylwedyth, pronounced Sil-wed-ith, is a local stone age girl who begins to question her tribe’s beliefs.

By testing sayings against the weather and observing the movements of the sun and moon, she becomes Britain’s first scientist.

Steve said, “Having worked with children as a storyteller and early years teacher, I’m in awe of their ability to absorb information. I hope this is the first of a series of books that will help children to tackle some big concepts by presenting them in relatable ways.”

The book expands on Sylwedyth’s story with some pages of science explanation suitable for younger children.

A review in Popular Astronomy magazine hailed the book as, “a really thought provoking and enjoyable reading experience.”

The competition has two themes, seasons and space with nursery, reception and primary school children invited to submit any form of artwork in response to the themes.

They need to ask an adult to email a photo of their artwork to 28DalesLater@Gmail.com by each theme’s deadline.

The deadlines are: Seasons September 18 and Space September 29.

The works will be judged by author Steve Wharton, illustrator Mike Hartley and editorial consultant Forrest Nellis-Wharton.

The artworks will be exhibited at Florence Arts Centre during the weeks of the Autumnal Equinox, September 22, and World Space Week, October 4-10.

For those too old to enter the competition, Sylwedyth is available from independent bookshops around Cumbria.