A HEALTH service is looking to help dispel the stigma too often attached to mental health.

People using mental health and learning disability services across the Teesside and surrounding area are being urged to take part in an art competition launched by the Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust.

Caroline Parnell, who heads the campaign, said: "Two years ago, we ran a very successful photography competition, with the winning entries made into a calendar, and an exhibition that toured libraries, schools, colleges, leisure centres and gyms across the area, throughout 2004.

"We want to build on that success with a new competition to find the best in artwork from local service users."

The competition links with a video, produced by the trust earlier this year, which asked users, carers and staff to explain their one wish for the future of local services.

Trophies will go to the winning entries, to be announced at the opening of an exhibition being organised by the trust as part of World Mental Health Day in October.

The competition is open to individual or group artwork in any medium, including oil or watercolour paintings, collage, drawing and photography, but entries must be able to be hung on a wall.

Entry forms are available by calling Caroline Parnell on (01642) 516461. The competition closing date is August 15.