ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE MP Angela Rayner spread some festive cheer throughout her constituency as she announced the winner of her annual Christmas card competition.
In the lead-up to the festive period each year, the MP invites schools across Ashton, Droylsden and Failsworth to produce a design that will be made into her official Christmas card.
Ms Rayner – who is also the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party – received almost 800 entries from 13 schools and had the difficult task of choosing one winner and two runners-up.
After much deliberation, she chose Abigail Dempsey from St Stephen’s RC Primary in Droylsden as the winner with her wonderful drawing of Father Christmas delivering presents on the Metrolink.
Asiya Ilyas from Holy Trinity C of E Primary in Ashton-under-Lyne came second with her picture of Santa catching the tram to IKEA, and Dylan Martin from South Failsworth Community Primary was third with his drawing of Santa Paws at Daisy Nook.
“Every year, I run a competition for local primary schools where I ask pupils to design my Christmas card and every year I am truly blown away by the standard of entries,” said Ms Rayner.
“As I have said before, school visits are the best part of my job. It’s always lovely to speak to children and young people and hear their thoughts on the things that matter to them.
“This year’s theme was ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ and I was delighted with the way the children who entered took inspiration from their local area.
“The children were all presented with framed pictures of the finished Christmas card, which I will now send out to my fellow MPs and other dignitaries, and every child that took part received a certificate to show my appreciation for their participation.”
