Could you be Gwent's best young artist?

This is our third year of running the competition and we want it to be bigger and better than ever.

As in previous years, we have joined forces with the Riverfront Theatre in Newport and the University of South Wales.

As well as giving young artists an opportunity to showcase their talents, the competition provides the chance to win some hefty cash prizes and trophies.

The previous competitions and the fantastic response we have had leave us in no doubt there is plenty of artistic talent out there and this is a great opportunity for it to shine.

Argus deputy editor Nicole Garnon said: "When we first launched this competition we did not really know what to expect but we have been bowled over by the response and the obvious artistic talent out there. We wanted to be create an annual art prize that would become a fixture in Gwent's cultural calendar and are delighted to have had the support once again of the fantastic Riverfront and the University of South Wales."

All you have to do is submit an original piece of art - painting, drawing or sculpture - to the address on the entry form below.

The closing date for entries is October 12. Our judging panel will meet during the following week to select a shortlist of works which will then be displayed at the Riverfront Theatre from October 26 until November 23.

On the final day of the exhibition we will announce the winners at a special presentation event which will run from 3pm to 6pm at the theatre.

There are three age categories. Eight years old and under, 9-12 years, and 13-18 years. There will be a winner and runner-up in each age group, as well as an overall winner.

The university is the competition's main sponsor, and there is £1,500 in prize money to be shared between the winners and runners-up.

Original works, no bigger than six feet by six feet, should be submitted to the South Wales Argus deputy editor, Nicole Garnon, on or before October 12.

Competition rules.

All submissions must be original works of art

All submissions must be accompanied by an entry form which will appear in the South Wales Argus. Photocopies will be accepted. You can print out the form here.

Submitted works of art will be judged by a panel of representatives from the University of South Wales, the Riverfront and the South Wales Argus.

The judges' decision is final.

The closing date for receipt of entries is October 12, 2013.

Only one submission per entrant is allowed

Entrants will have to arrange to collect their submissions after the competition.

The overall winner will receive £450. Winnners in each age group will receive £200.

Runners-up in each age group will receive £150.

Normal Argus competition rules apply.