Black History Month (October) sees the launch of a new competition for Croydon’s pupils, celebrating the Windrush generation that came to Britain and helped to shape social, cultural and political life.

Croydon Windrush History is open to students at schools and colleges across the borough and aims to inform and inspire young people about the legacy of the Windrush pioneers.

Students of all ages are invited to enter their art, drama, poetry, stories, music, video accounts, interviews, plays and other contributions from family members or friends, on the history of Windrush. Support can be provided to schools on drama entries.

The competition is led by the council’s Black and Minority Ethnic Champion (BAME), councillor Patsy Cummings.

Councillor Cummings said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people of all ages and from all backgrounds to celebrate an important part of Croydon’s heritage.

“As well as appreciating the sacrifice and contribution made by parents, grandparents, relatives, friends and neighbours, young people can be a part of handing on this rich and fascinating legacy to future generations. I hope as many young people as possible take part and I can’t wait to see the entries.”

The winning entries will be collated and preserved as a record of this part of Croydon’s history and will form part of Croydon’s Windrush Day celebrations in June 2019.

The competition is open throughout October. Further details on categories, prizes, the collecting and judging of entries and deadlines are being sent to schools.