RICHARD Hammond wishes he was young enough to enter a competition that¹s going to give a young writer £1,000 to spend on a fantastic holiday - and other great prizes.

The BBC Top Gear presenter is backing the award that aims to get young people writing about cars.

Richard, who is busy filming Top Gear, said with a smile: “I wish I was young enough to enter.”

On offer are travel vouchers worth £1,000, a ride in the latest Aston Martin with a test driver and a week¹s loan of a new Audi for the winner’s parents.

The award is in memory of Phil Llewellin, one of the world¹s best read motoring writers and is organised by the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

This is the third time the award has been offered.

To enter, you must be aged 16 or less. Write a story of 500 words about ‘my ideal car and the holiday I¹d take in it.’ Then email your story to brian_vertigen@tiscali.co.uk. Closing date is 30 November 2008.

All the details are on www.mgmw.co.uk under Phil Llewellin Award.