Creative pupils win council’s Christmas card competition

Council leader Neil Emmott with eight-year-old Erin Merrick, her mum and dad Emma and Ryan at Newlands School

Children from Newlands School in Middleton have had their artwork turned into real Christmas cards after entering a festive design competition.

Rochdale Borough Council leader Councillor Neil Emmott and chief executive Steve Rumbelow invited local schools to enter the competition last month. Winners from Newlands School in Middleton were selected – Erin Merrick eight, designed a very festive looking tree and a Christmas character. Christian Kilduff, nine, came up with a colourful Christmas image based on his handprints.

Erin and Christian’s artwork has been made into electronic cards that have been distributed by email to hundreds of individuals and organisations. Printed versions of the cards have also been posted. Runners up were eight-year-old Amir Iqbal who created a cool card featuring a colourful Christmas tree and Filip Zaluski who came up with a striking reindeer design.

Newlands is a primary special school, catering for children aged three to 11. Councillor Emmott and Mr Rumbelow visited the school to thank the pupils personally and presented them with printed copies of their cards, gift vouchers and festive treats for their classmates. Chair of governors Lisa Kelly also attended the presentation.

Councillor Emmott said he was very impressed by all the designs: “It’s a few years since we have run this competition, so I’m pleased to see it return, and the creativity we have seen here at Newlands School is fabulous. Thank you to all the children who took part. I know they really worked hard, the designs are so fun and really make you smile.”

Chief executive Steve Rumbelow added: “There are a lot of talented children in the borough and we received a great selection of striking, contemporary and imaginative designs. The leader and I were very pleased to be able to call in and thank them personally.”

As well as being used for electronic and printed Christmas cards for the leader and chief executive, the artwork will also be shared on the council’s social media channels over the festive season.

Headteacher Ms Farzana Shah said: “We are delighted that Erin and Christian won the council’s Christmas card competition, representing all the children here at Newlands. In addition, Filip and Amir also receiving prizes makes us very proud. Well done to all the children and their families.”