THE British Computer Society is organising a top competition for computer programmers.

They will be challenged to solve a series of complex programming problems on a "beat the clock" basis.

Winning teams will take home valuable computer hardware and software worth thousands of pounds.

Ideal teams will comprise four software engineers and a team manager.

Regional heats will be followed by a national awards ceremony on March 29, 2003.

Details of the BCS Programming Competition 2003 are available online at: www.bcs.org/progcomp