YOUNG artists will be able to show off their drawing skills on pavements this week.

The event, in Newcastle, is part of the national competition to find the Young Pavement Artist of 2002. The theme of the competition is the river bank.

Youngsters aged between four and 16 are invited to attend the events at the Haymarket, from 11am to 3pm on Thursday; the Monument, from 11am to 3pm on Friday; and the Quayside, from noon to 3pm on Saturday.

The competition is aimed at raising money for muscular dystrophy research.

Winning entries will be photographed and judged by Tate Britain and the Royal Academy of Arts.

The presentation for the first four awards will be at Tate Britain, London, on Friday July 12.

For more details, contact 0191-273 9127