Local MP Steve Brine has launched his second annual school Christmas card competition, open for schools across Winchester & Chandler's Ford.
Steve said: "Last year's competition was a great success with several hundred entries, and we were really impressed with the quality of work – there certainly are a lot of talented artists in our local primary schools!"
The winning painting will be used on the front of Steve's official 2012 Christmas card which will be sent out to community groups, public services, charities and local businesses, including the Prime Minister at No.10 and his cabinet. The winner will have their name, age and school printed on the inside front page of the card.
An exhibition of paintings that make the short-list will take place in the Children's Library at the Winchester Discovery Centre and this year's guest judge is the highly regarded local children's illustrator, Emma Lowres. Judging will take place on Friday 26 October and the paintings will remain on public display at the library until Christmas.
This year, the First Prize is a family ticket to the pantomime courtesy of Winchester Theatre Royal, and there will also be group prizes of family tickets kindly donated by Intech Science Centre & Planetarium.
Steve continued: "Every child who enters the competition will receive a special certificate - and prizes, supported by local organisations, will be awarded to the winner of each year group. The overall winner will also receive a special prize at a special presentation ceremony at their school, which last year went to an excellent design from Eleanor Ring."
Pictured; Steve joins last year's winner, Eleanor Ring
More information...
Teachers and students interested in taking part can find out more at Steve's dedicated webpage at www.stevebrine.com/christmascard.
The closing date for entries is Friday 19 October and can either be sent to Steve's constituency office or alternatively arrangements can be made for collection from your school.