PUPILS are being invited to design a mascot which will help drive new fundraising initiatives for the Beatson Cancer Charity.

The charity is inviting pupils to get creative and take part in a competition to create and name the very first Beatson Cancer Charity Mascot which will be turned into a life-sized version.

Amy Dreszler, fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity said: “Beatson Cancer Charity is going to create an official mascot and what better way to bring it to life than inviting some of our younger supporters to take part.

“Whether it’s an animal or character, anything really, we’re calling on pupils in Dumbarton to create a fun, friendly and easily recognisable creature to be the charity’s official mascot.

“We have such a dedicated supporter base and this is our way of saying a huge thank you for the generosity we receive by making our mascot a representative of the community, designed by our future generation.”

Children from primary 4-7 are encouraged to get their creative juices flowing and have until March 30 to submit their entries.

These will be judged by a panel of Beatson Cancer Charity staff, supporters and ambassadors including The Right Honourable Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sadie Docherty.

The winning entry will be unveiled at the charity’s flagship sponsored walking event Off The Beatson Track on Sunday, August 28.

Amy added: “If you look at the way in which other mascots like Partick Thistle’s Kingsley and Glasgow Warrior’s Clyde have helped drive interest levels at home and abroad – we’re looking for a new mascot to help boost Beatson Cancer Charity’s profile and engage with local communities.

“Cancer is something that affects so many families across the country, it’s important to us at The Beatson to help children understand the issue in a positive way. We invite the schools to really make a day of it and ask their pupils to ‘Wear It Yellow’ for Beatson Cancer Charity as they design their mascots. Whether it is wearing yellow onesies, applying yellow face paint or baking yummy yellow treats, there are lots of brilliant ways schools can get involved and raise awareness of a cause that’s so close to us all.

“We encourage as many schools as possible to take part; it’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone with a unique, creative flair to show us what they’ve got. We’re looking forward to receiving some fantastic entries – I’m sure our panel will have a tough decision ahead of them.”

If you would like more information on Beatson Cancer Charity’s exclusive mascot competition, please email amy.dreszler@beatsoncancercharity.org or call 0141 212 0505.