YOUNGSTERS were today urged to write an essay about sharks for a Weymouth Sea Life Park competition.

The attraction has launched the contest to mark European Shark Week.

It is for youngsters aged 12 and under and is aimed at raising awareness of the plight of sharks.

The short essays should start with the words We should help protect sharks because...' The authors of the best ten essays will be invited to a special presentation evening on October 26.

Entries should be posted to: Shark Competition, Sea Life Park, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX. The closing date is October 19.