A SCHOOL pupil has received an early Christmas present after discovering her design will be used on the mayor of Basildon’s festive cards.

Countless schoolchildren got creative as they entered a competition to create the front cover of the Christmas cards sent out by David Burton-Sampson as we approach the big day on December 25.

It was hoped the contest would spread some cheer as we prepare for the curtain to come down on a year filled with doom and gloom thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.

Annabel Aydeniz fought off stiff competition to claim the top prize as she created an eye-catching picture of Santa Claus placing presents under the Christmas tree while wearing a face mask.

The news has been met with joy at North Crescent Primary School, where Annabel is currently a Year 5 pupil.

Annie Griffin, deputy headteacher at the Wickford-based school, said: “We were notified of the competition by our arts co-ordinator and were told the mayor of Basildon wanted the children to design a Christmas card.

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“We had a lot of creative designs put forward and Annabel’s was chosen as the winner, which is fantastic.

“Finding out her design will be used for the mayor’s Christmas card was amazing and Annabel was overjoyed.”

North Crescent had more joy in the competition, with Year 4 pupil Dorian Franciskovity also being name among the top seven entrants.

Echo:

Happy - Dorian Franciskovity

Mr Burton-Sampson said: “After the difficult year we have had I asked our schoolchildren to design a Christmas card that reflected the strange and unusual year we have experienced but also portrayed hope for the future.

“I am astounded by the excellent quality of designs that I received. It was interesting to see how our young people interpreted recent events but it was also great to see their vision for the future.”