Schools in Norwich are set to battle for a new �25,000 playground or outdoor area that is up for grabs in a competition.

Over 30,000 schools in the UK have been invited to take part and have pupils draw their dream outside space to win a playground, outdoor classroom, fitness trail, sensory or environmental garden.

But the closing date for the chance to win the big prize is closing in, with the deadline on Thursday March 31.

Viking Direct, the direct-mail school and office supplies channel of Office Depot, wants pupils to get their creative juices flowing and take part in the national competition.

An initial shortlist of 25 entries will be whittled down and the winning pupil will also receive a laptop worth �300.

John O'Keeffe, commercial director at Office Depot, said: 'The drastic public sector cuts which the UK are facing have led to many schools having to abandon any regeneration or building plans they had for outside space areas, particularly playgrounds, as these are not seen as essential.

'Viking Direct understands the challenges facing the government. Nevertheless, we feel it is a great shame that schools are losing out and we wanted to give something back which would be meaningful to pupils and teachers. This venture seemed the ideal way to reward creativity.'

Viking Direct has teamed up with Playforce, who provide school playground equipment, to run the competition.

Colin McAdam, managing director of Playforce, said: 'The value of play, and the importance of playgrounds within this, is increasingly being realised. Playforce is pleased to offer children the opportunity to win a playground, environmental area or outside classroom for their school and we look forward to seeing some inspiring designs. '

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.viking-direct.co.uk/sub/schools or interested schools can request entry forms by sending their contact details to vikingschools@officedepot.com