THE artistic talents of York's primary school children is set to play a major part in the build-up to this year's York International Nines Rugby League tournament begins.

The city's schools have been asked to design a poster to advertise the prestigious competition, and the best will be used as the York Nines official tournament poster to be displayed around the city and beyond.

Furthermore, the five top entries, including the overall winner, will receive £300 worth of computer software packages from official sponsors PC World, at Monks Cross, to go to their school.

The names of the judges are yet to be unveiled, but it is expected that a big name from Super League and a star player from York City Knights are likely to be involved.

All entries - which should have rugby league and historic York as co-themes - will be put on show in a big exhibition on Parliment Street, York, on the late night shopping night of Wednesday, April 17, when judging will take place.

The closing date for entries is April 12, 2003, and entries should be returned by post to 18 Back Swinegate, Swinegate Court, York, YO1 8ZD, or handed in to Yortime Resourse Centre, 20 Back Swinegate, Swinegate Court, York.

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, March 12, 2003