Artists from Chilton Primary in Ramsgate have designed this year’s Christmas card for the town’s MP Polly Billington.

The school’s entries impressed judges and the colourful designs with a thoughtful eco message are being delivered on behalf of the MP to businesses around the town, local organisations, friends and her colleagues at Westminster.

Otis won the under 7s category with a design that highlights the problems of fly-tipping. Year 2 pupil Mable from Ramsgate Arts Primary – one of Chilton’s partner schools in the Viking Academy Trust – was a runner up.

In the under 11 section, James from Chilton won top spot for a design that features Kent’s seal colony together with a strong plea to reduce plastic pollution in the sea.

Fellow Chilton pupils Yasmin and Sasha were runners up.

Deputy Head of School Hannah Cheshire said: “The standard of entries was very high with schools around the town taking part contributing more than 100 designs.

“We are very proud that our Chilton young artists have performed so well – it is thrilling for them and the school that their lovely work will be seen by so many people around the town and beyond.

“All children received a gift of a Ramsgate Football Club red and white scarf and hat that Polly herself delivered, which was a lovely touch.”

Polly took to social media to highlight the success of the competition. She wrote: “I was bowled over by the talent and creativity of the young artists who entered the competition this year.

“Children had clearly thought long and hard about how to appeal to the judge’s interests – with entries featuring cats and Ramsgate Harbour among those that really caught my eye!

“However, the cards that really stuck out for the judging panel were those that combined festive fun with a serious message about protecting our natural environment, which is so important to us all living by the seaside.

“I want to congratulate the winners and all the children who took part, and wish everyone in East Thanet a merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

James Lawson, Chair of Ramsgate Football Club, was also on the judging panel, together with the artist Bob and Roberta Smith. The Rams sponsored the competition and provided merchandise as prizes.

He said: “It was an honour to be asked to help judge Polly’s Christmas card competition on behalf of Ramsgate Football Club. The quality of entries was extremely high, meaning the judges were faced with a really tough task in picking our winners, but the winning cards are absolutely fantastic.

“I hope our winners are enjoying their Ramsgate Football Club hats and scarves, and I want to wish everyone in Ramsgate a very merry Christmas.”

Chilton Primary and Ramsgate Arts Primary are part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School, Broadstairs.

**For more information contact Chilton Head of School Alex McAuley on 01843 597695.