Oxford’s Mini plant is sponsoring a kids’ competition to design a Car-nival Mini for this year’s Cowley Road Carnival.

Children in Years 6 to 9 are invited to submit designs to celebrate 20 years of production of the new Mini at the plant in Cowley.

Sean Duvall, director of Cowley Road Works, the charity which organises the carnival, said: “The carnival has had a long and creative collaboration with Mini Plant Oxford and we are really delighted to launch this competition to look for a budding car designer.

“Maybe this Car-nival competition will even ignite a future career!”

The competition is to design a celebration Mini incorporating this year’s theme of Mother Earth.

As well as being imaginative, big, bright, bold, and colourful, the winning car must also interpret the eco theme.

Entrants should use labels to explain their car’s features.

Managing director of Mini Plant Oxford Peter Weber said: “The Cowley Road Carnival is a real highlight in Mini Plant Oxford’s calendar and we’re thrilled to be supporting again this year.

“We’re also very excited to see the sustainability-inspired Car-nival competition designs and look forward to giving the winners a special Mini plant tour in future.”

Carnival organisers want to remind residents there is still time to apply for road closure licences for street parties and to start planning how they will decorate their homes. There are prizes for the best decorated House Float and a special prize for residents who best illustrate this year’s Mother Earth theme.