THESE are the talented winners of The Bolton News Christmas card competition.

The winners and runners-up in the four to seven and eight to 11 categories collected their gifts from competition sponsors at The Bolton News office.

Jolie Smethurst, aged six, from Kearsley, won the four to seven category, after finishing runner-up last year.

Tom Jones, aged eight, from Breightmet, won the eight to 11 category.

The children had their cards professionally printed by Impression Ltd, of Bolton, and won vouchers for a bike worth £100 at Decathlon.

Jolie, a pupil at St Stephens CE Primary in Kearsley, won by more than double the votes of the runner-up in her age category.

She said: “It’s amazing to get my prizes. I’m looking forward to getting the bike and the card looks really good. The thing I like most about Christmas is getting toys and putting the tree up.”

Mum Vicky, aged 39, added: “I’m really proud of Jolie. She’s been a really good girl this year, so I’m sure Santa will bring her what she wants.”

Tom, who goes to SS Osmund and Andrew RC Primary School, produced a picture of Santa with a sack of Christmas presents, along with his reindeer and a snowman.

He said: “I’m so pleased with my prizes. I’m looking forward to riding my bike and I’ll let my brothers have a go on it.”

His mum Joan, aged 38, added: “He’s absolutely over the moon. He’s been waiting for this all week. I’m very proud of his achievements.”

Eva MacDonald, aged five, was runner-up in the four to seven category, and Chloe Nuttall, aged 10, was runner-up in the eight to 11 category. Eva won a £50 voucher for Smyths Toys of Middlebrook while Chloe won pizza for her class and teacher from Domino’s Pizza.

Paul Tyldesley, Smyths manager, said: “It’s great for the community to help these talented youngsters. We’re delighted the children have gained the recognition their hard work deserves.”

Remi Mae, aged seven, and George Parr, aged eight, were the other runners-up, and they received chocolate Santas from Slattery’s in Whitefield.

The competition was sponsored by The Chinese Buffet in Bolton and readers voted for the winner. The winners also won a meal for six at The Chinese Buffet.