Christmas on the cards for MPs as youngsters' designs are chosen
MPs from across the region have revealed the winners of their annual Christmas card competitions.
Stafford MP Theo Clarke ran a contest to mark her first year in Parliament, having been elected to represent the town at the 2019 general election.
The winning entry was designed by Jack Bowker from Penkridge Middle School and features Yuletide symbols surrounding the Staffordshire Knot.
Ms Clarke said: "Thank you to everyone for their excellent entries to my first ever Stafford Christmas card competition.
"Congratulations to Jack Bowker on your winning design and very well done to the runners-up: Elsha, Freddie, Mia and Isabella."
Tory Chairman Amanda Milling's contest was won by Samuel Davies-Ratcliffe, aged six, of Chancel Primary School in Rugeley.
The card, which will be sent to the Prime Minister among others, features a drawing of Santa.
Runners up were Lilly Curran, aged 10, of Bridgtown Primary School and Darcie Byford, aged six, from The John Bamford Primary School.
School children across Cannock Chase were invited to design the cover of the MP’s 2020 Christmas card.
Cannock Chase MP Ms Milling MP, said: "Congratulations to Samuel Davies-Ratcliffe and well done to the runners up.
"Samuel’s design caught my eye as it very cleverly used an article I’d written for a local magazine to build up a Father Christmas. I would like to thank all the local school children who took part in the competition and wish them all a very Merry Christmas."
An image of a festive Zoom video call was declared the winner of Dudley South MP Mike Wood's competition, which had more than 100 entries.
Holly Barnes, who attends Ashwood Park Primary School, produced the design, which features Santa, nine elves, Rudolph the reindeer (affectionately labelled as ‘Ruddy’), and a number of other familiar Christmas characters.
Mr Wood said: "We have some fantastically talented young artists in the local area, and it’s always tough to choose an overall winner – but Holly’s design seemed so clever, and so very 2020, that she had to take this year’s top spot.
“I think most people have had more than enough of video calls, and can’t wait until we can get together properly face-to-face once again, but out of all of the video calls we’ve made during the pandemic, I don’t think any of them can have been as much fun as the one in Holly’s picture.
“It is sure to raise a smile from even the most Covid-weary of people this Christmas.”
The young artist was presented with a framed copy of her winning design and 'thank you' letter from the MP, and a Cadbury’s selection box.
Robin, a Year 1 pupil from Hurst Green Primary School was crowned as the winner of Halesowen & Rowley Regis MP James Morris's competition.
Mr Morris said: "Since becoming an MP in 2010 the annual Christmas card competition has always been a highlight of my year. I enjoy seeing just how artistic and creative local children in Halesowen & Rowley Regis can be, and they always make it tough for me to pick a winner!
"Unfortunately I had to cancel last year’s competition due to the general election, so I was determined to ensure that this year’s went ahead. I want to thank all those who took part and send my congratulations to Robin for designing the winning entry."
