Cllr Hilary Harrington invited schoolchildren from across the borough to submit their best designs for a festive-themed card with a total of 1,323 entries received from 25 different schools. The competition proved popular with 500 more entries than last year and an additional seven schools taking part. 

The designs were judged by the mayor and her deputy, Cllr Malcolm Grainger who picked out the best entries from each school and then decided on the overall winner, whose design now features on the Christmas card. 

The overall winner was nine-year-old Isla Jackson from Beckstone Primary School in Harrington. As well as her design being the one chosen by the mayor, Isla also received a £20 gift card, certificate and a selection box. 

In second place was Arabella Kenyon, age 7, from St Patricks Catholic Primary School, Workington and in third was Abigail Renwick, age 11, from St Matthews C of E School in Westnewton, near Aspatria. 

There were also 89 runners up who all receive a certificate and selection box. 

Cllr Harrington said:

“The standard of entry this year was fantastic, and I’d like to congratulate everyone who sent in an entry. Picking a winner was difficult as there were so many good designs and I never cease to be amazed at the talent of young people in this area.” 

Isla said:

“I’m really happy my design was chosen as I worked really hard on it and put a lot of effort in.” 

Copies of the card are now being distributed to other civic dignitaries across Cumbria.