Before they head off on their summer holidays, 17 year-old language students are being urged to put 1st September in their diaries.

That’s when registration opens for this year’s European translation competition, Juvenes Translatores 2010, being held on 23rd November.

Meaning ‘Young Translators’ in Latin, Juvenes Translatores is a contest is organised for 17 year-olds in secondary schools throughout the European Union. They will translate a text in any language of their choice from among the 23 official languages of the EU.

Organisers say it’s a way to introduce students into translation and promote multilingualism.

A winner is chosen from each Member State and they receive a three-day trip to Brussels accompanied by an adult (accommodation and transport at the Commission's expense) and will be invited to attend an award ceremony.

Anyone born in 1993 can take part. This year, 73 UK schools are being given the chance to enter, more than ever before.

Registration runs from 1st September until 20th October. Anyone interested can sign up here  or follow the Juvenes Translatores competition pages on Facebook or Twitter