You could help spread the word about the fight against modern day slavery by designing the image advertising the Run For Freedom.

A competition has been launched to create the picture or model which can be used on posters and in the media promoting the event in Bermuda and the UK in March.

The runs — to take place in Front Street and London's Square Mile — will generate awareness of the plight of millions of modern day slaves and raise cash for Stop The Traffik, which helps them.

For the competition, people of all ages can submit images they think represent the Run For Freedom — whether that's children trapped in slavery, goods such as chocolate they help produce, symbolic shackles which need to be broken, or any idea of your own.

Run For Freedom organiser Charlotte Wilberforce — a great-great-great granddaughter of slave emancipator William Wilberforce — says the competition will give everyone the chance to get involved in the campaign.

A panel of judges will run the rule over entries from three different age groups.

The winners' prize will be the prestige of having their images on display in public places and in newspapers in the UK and Bermuda. Schools in Bermuda are invited to encourage children to take part, while adults are also able to enter different age categories.

"We want as many people as possible to get involved in this," said Ms Wilberforce.

"It's kind of a fun thing to be able to get creative, using photographs, papier mache or whatever you want. You are free to use your mind to come up with whatever you want.

"The prize is that the winning image will then be used globally. People around the world will be able to see what you have designed.

"Hopefully, the competition will also start off the thinking process. It will get people to think about trafficking and see that slavery is still alive today and we can all do what we can to try to stop it."

The competition runs until February 29. Age categories are 12 to 18; 18 to 30; and 30 plus. Entries should be sent to Run For Freedom, PO Box FL 382, Flatts, FLBX.

The Front Street run, on March 30, will be about a mile long and ends with a party in Barr's Bay Park.

Organisers have got plans for a number of activities, yet to be confirmed.

Walking is allowed as well as running, so there is little excuse not to take part. So far, more than 140 people have signed up for either the London or Front Street run.

To sign up for the run or for further information, e-mail runforfreedom@yahoo.com. Check out the run's Facebook group for regular updates.