The London Student Awards, launched by BBC London in 2006, will celebrate and reward London's next generation of writers, scientists, artists and musicians this year.

Last year, Ioanna Protopapa, a 15-year-old from Queen Elizabeth Girls' School, in High Street, Barnet, was runner-up in the music award for her composition and acoustic performance of London Town.

She received a certificate from schools minister Jim Knight at a glittering, star-studded ceremony at the Natural History Museum last July.

This year's competition is open to Years 9 and 10 and has the theme "Show us what you've got".

It covers six categories: art and design, music, drama, creative writing, ICT and science.

To enter, students must complete a set task relating to one of these subjects.

Short-listed entrants from across London will be invited to a ceremony where winners will be given prizes donated by the awards' sponsors.

The winner of the music category will win a recording session with rapper Dizzee Rascal's record label, Dirtee Stank Recordings, to give them insight into the music industry and production techniques.

Other prizes include a behind the scenes tour at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the chance to shadow a top author.

The winner of the science category will enjoy an outdoor adventure activity geared towards tackling climate change.

Patrick Spottiswoode, director of Globe Education at the Globe, said: "We are passionate about introducing young people to Shakespeare and showing them how we go about creating a production.

"We would encourage all students to enter the London Student Awards."

The contest, part of London's Schools Celebrat-ing Achievement campaign, recognises and rewards improvements in London's state secondary schools since 2003.

Government figures published in January 2008 recorded London's best-ever GCSE results, above the national average for the fourth year running.

Almost one in three London schools are now classed as outstanding', with 70 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* to C passes at GCSE.

Mike Macfarlane, head of BBC London, said: "We are proud to support the London Student Awards again this year.

"Last year's competition identified some talented young people from across the capital and we urge students to get on board in 2008 to show London what they've got."

Year 9 and 10 students have until May 9 to submit entries.

u Entry packs have been sent to schools and can be downloaded from bbc.co.uk/ london/studentawards