Schools across Montgomeryshire have taken part in a Christmas Card competition run by local AM, Russell George, to design the official picture which would be carried on the front of the cards sent out by the Welsh Conservative politician this year.
Mr George received 180 pictures from children all over the county, who were keen to impress him with their artistic skills and creativity. The AM established a judging panel to assist him in the very difficult selection process but an overall winner did finally emerge and the competition was won by Paige MacDonnell, aged 7 year from Hafren School, Newtown. There were also two runners-ups prizes, which were given to Thomas Goddard, aged 6 years from Brynhafren C P School, Bausley, Crew Green and Lani Pettit, aged 4 years from Berriew C P School, Berriew. Both the runners-up had thumbnail-size pictures of their designs printed on the backs of all Mr George’s cards.
Every child that took part in the competition was given a Certificate, and prizes were given out to each of the schools that took part.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I was extremely pleased by the number of entries I received and I have to say the standard was very high indeed.
“It took the panel and I, a number of hours to whittle down the designs to our final three and I believe that Paige was a very deserving winner.
“Her snowman picture for me, encapsulated the spirit of Christmas and it has been printed on all my official cards which I have sent out in my capacity as an Assembly Member to organisations and individuals not just in Montgomeryshire but across Wales.
"However, congratulations must also go to Thomas and Lani whose excellent designs came in a very close second and third respectively.
"Given the success of the event, I hope to be holding the competition again next year and I hope to have even more schools take part."
The competition was open to Infant and primary schools in Montgomeryshire, to children aged between 4 and 7 years old.