Budding writers and poets are being urged to share their thoughts on what life is like as a teenager today.

South West Essex Primary Care Trust and volunteer education group Thee Junction, wants youngsters aged between 11 and 19 who live in Basildon, Billericay or Thurrock to enter a writing competition.

The contest is being held to promote the trust's Young Health website which gives information on services available to young people such as advice on drugs and alcohol, and healthy eating.

Log on to www.younghealth.co.uk and download an application form. The winner in each group category will receive an iPod Nano and have their entry published.