Lara wins competition to design Hull MP's Christmas card

Nine-year-old Lara Juncar of Fifth Avenue Primary School has won this year's competition to design the Christmas card of Hull North MP Diana Johnson.

The winning entry was announced today after being selected by competition Judge William Wilberforce from hundreds of entries submitted by children in primary schools across the Hull North constituency.

Lara's Christmas card design has been printed at Hull's Palm Press and will be sent to hundreds of people across the country. These range from Hull North constituents, family and friends to regional and national figures in charities, business and politics - including the Prime Minister.

The winning Christmas card designs will also be displayed on the Hull city centre Big Screen during December and printed in the match day programme of Hull City's home game on 30 December.

On 18 December, Lara will be taken by Hull Trains to join Diana in delivering the winning card to 10 Downing Street. Lara and her family will then be treated to tea at the House of Commons.

Prizes for the competition have been donated by local competition sponsors. These include Hull Trains, Croda, Hull City AFC, Hull FC, Hull Kingston Rovers, The Deep, Sainsbury's, Morrison's, Mail News and Media, Hull Truck Theatre, Hull New Theatre, the GMB and Yorkshire and Humber UNISON.

Competition Judge William Wilberforce is the great, great, great, great grandson of the Hull MP and anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, whose historic achievements 200 years ago have been celebrated this year.

William Wilberforce said: "With so many wonderful entries, picking a winner was difficult. Lara is to be congratulated for producing such a colourful and vibrant design. It was a worthy winner for this Christmas."

Diana Johnson MP said: "Lara's drawing has now been printed as my official 2007 Christmas card. It will be sent to family, friends and colleagues across the country and abroad. I look forward to joining Lara in Westminster to deliver her winning card to the Prime Minister's home at 10 Downing Street.

"Once again, I have been impressed by the standard of the entries from Hull North's primary schools. This is the third year of running this competition and it has been more popular than ever. It is great to showcase the creativity of Hull children as they capture the magic of Christmas.

"After all the disruption schools suffered during the floods this year, I am indebted to all the headteachers and class teachers who encouraged pupils to take part. Hull Trains, Croda and many others have again sponsored the competition and donated some wonderful prizes. Finally, I thank William Wilberforce for accepting the challenge of judging the competition."