Kirsten O’Brien, CBBC presenter and regular host of children’s art programme SMart, will join V&A Museum of Childhood curator Ieuan Hopkins in judging entries for ABTA’s innovative Schools Art Challenge this June.

Competition is hotting up across the UK with over 190 primary schools going head to head to design picture postcards illustrating a holiday from the past, present and future of travel as part of a campaign marking ABTA’s 60th anniversary.

Postcards will be assessed on their originality, creativity, insight and understanding of the travel industry by the guest judges alongside ABTA’s board and Council of Regions. Winners will enjoy prizes including a school trip to London or Paris, family holidays, weekend breaks and vouchers towards school art materials and travel books – all kindly donated by ABTA’s members.

CBBC presenter Kirsten O’Brien said: “I’m really looking forward to judging entries for the ABTA Schools Art Challenge; I’ve always loved art myself and really benefited from being encouraged to get creative throughout my school life.

“I know from all the great pictures sent in to SMart from viewers that there’s loads of talent out there so I’m expecting a really high standard of entries.”

The project – which underlines ABTA’s long-standing involvement as the guardian of travel – has been designed to fit with the National Curriculum. A specially created teachers’ pack for the competition covers art, history, English, maths, geography and personal and social development.

V&A Museum and Childhood curator Ieuan Hopkins added: "Judging the ABTA Schools Art Challenge is going to be really exciting - you never know, we might find the next Pablo Picasso in our midst.”

It is not too late to take part in the ABTA Schools Art Challenge, to find out more visit http://www.abta.com/60yearsontopoftheworld. Deadline for entries is 10 June 2010 with judging taking place on 23 June 2010.