THURROCK MP Jen Craft announced the winners of her first ever Christmas card competition at an awards ceremony at South Essex College.

Local primary school children were in attendance to receive awards and prizes for their designs, with winners selected in each year group.

The overall winning design was created by Arianna from Somers Heath Primary, which will be the cover of the official Christmas card that Mrs Crafts sends out this year, including to the Prime Minister.

Arianna's winning picture.

The competition, which received entries from over a thousand children from primary schools in Thurrock, was supported by numerous sponsors, including: DP World, Port of Tilbury, Hattens Solicitors, CED Stones, Navigator Terminals, Barrett & David Wilson Homes, and Impulse Leisure.

Woodside Academy won a prize for the most entries from their pupils, with 457 designs submitted.

The celebration at the college brought together local schoolchildren, their parents, representatives from the sponsors, and Cllr Kairen Raper to celebrate the winners.

Jen Craft with Arianna.

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Mrs Craft said: "It's been such a pleasure running this competition, showcasing some of the talented young artists we have in Thurrock.  

"Congratulations to Arianna for her fantastic drawing, which I'll now be sending as my official Christmas card this year, including to the Prime Minister himself!

"Thank you to everyone who took part, I hope you enjoyed drawing your designs. There were so many fantastic entries, it was almost impossible to choose an overall winner.

"I'm really grateful to our sponsors who made tonight's event possible, giving us a chance to celebrate the creativity in our local schools."