With £8,750 for the winner, a new open art competition is challenging pencil artists from across the world to prove their prowess.

Judged by a panel of art experts, the inaugural Derwent Art Prize is open to British and international artists.

Anyone over the age of 18 on July 1 2013 can submit up to six pieces of work, choosing from charcoal, pastel, graphite, water-soluble and coloured pencils on their path to potential victory.

The finalists will take part in an exhibition at London’s Mall Galleries and online in September 2013.

Their works will then go on a national tour, including a visit to the revered Pencil Museum in Keswick, Cumbria.

• Visit www.derwent-artprize.com for full details and to enter. The deadline for entries is July 1 2013.