PEOPLE are being asked to use their artistic skills to highlight a life-threatening brain condition.

The Malton-based Encephalitis Society is seeking entries for its short film, digital art and photography competition as it gears up for the third annual World Encephalitis Day on February 22.

The charity hopes to raise awareness about the condition, an inflammation of the brain, which affects 500,000 people around the world each year.

Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “We are asking survivors, their families and the wider public to show us what you know about encephalitis.

"Our hope is they will use art to express what encephalitis means to people across the globe.”

There are three categories in the competition: short film; digital art and photography.

Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “We have already had a number of entries, but are hoping for many more between now and World Encephalitis Day. Encephalitis is a global issue and we need to make people aware that it can affect anyone.”

Encephalitis affects all ages and is caused either by an infection invading the brain or through the body’s immune system attacking the brain in error.

Up to third of people affected will die. The majority of survivors, meanwhile, are left with an acquired brain injury and a legacy of challenges such as epilepsy, memory problems and issues with mental abilities such as concentration, attention, thinking, judgement and inhibition.

Entries can be submitted until the end of January and full details of how to enter can be found at worldencephalitisday.org.

The finalists will be shortlisted by a judging panel and decided by a public vote on February 22.