A festive design by a nine-year-old boy from Surrey has been sent to MPs, charity leaders, local councillors – and even the Prime Minister.
The image, which features tidings of joy for towns and villages across the county, was sent to Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend as part of her annual Christmas card competition.
It was drawn by a youngster who is supported by the South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDAS).
He has been awarded a £100 Amazon voucher, while his artwork has been turned into a festive card which has been posted to hundreds of people this Christmas.
SWSDAS receives funding from the Commissioner.
Lisa and her Deputy Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, opened the competition to every child and young person involved with a youth service in Surrey.
It is the fourth time they have launched the contest. Previous winners include a seven-year-old schoolboy from Reigate and a young person supported by Catch22, a charity working with children suffering criminal exploitation.
Lisa has a dedicated £275,000 fund specifically for initiatives and organisations that support children and young people.
Christmas joy
She said: “It’s always such a delight to share the winning design for my annual Christmas card.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to draw pictures and send them in to the office.
“I have always considered myself extremely lucky to serve as Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and that’s never more true than when I receive the submissions for the Christmas card competition.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who work for Surrey Police for their tireless efforts to keep us all safe, and to wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”
Winning design
Ellie said: “We both loved the winning design, which will be on mantlepieces and tables around the country this Christmas.
“On the back of the card, we’ve shared the best ways to get in touch with Surrey Police, so this is one card that might still be in people’s homes long into the new year.”
- To read the Commissioner’s Christmas newsletter, or to sign up, visit surrey-pcc.gov.uk/newsletter
The winning design has been made into a Christmas card