THE talented winners of the Bolton News Design a Christmas Card competition have been revealed.

Dozens of schools from across the borough took part and children also sent in entries themselves.

Readers then voted for their favourite designs, and the votes have now been counted.

The winner of the eight to 11 category was Ava Parr, aged 10.

Ava, a year six pupil at St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School in Westhoughton, said: “I’m really happy. I went in for the competition last year and didn’t win and I didn’t think I would win this year.

"All of my class at school are really happy for me.”

Ava follows in the footsteps of her brother George who finished runner-up in the same competition four years ago.

Meanwhile, the winner of the four to seven category was Grace Saleminetti, aged 7, who attends Ferns Primary Academy in Farnworth.

Speaking about the moment she found out she had won, she said: “It was very exciting. They were jumping up and down at school.”

The winning designs were printed as Christmas cards by Impression (Bolton) Ltd for the children to send out to friends and family.

Carl Webster, director of Impression, said: “The designs looked outstanding and we are lucky enough to see a lot of children's artwork with our job. It’s always good to get involved with the Christmas card competition.”

The winners also received a large chocolate Santa courtesy of Slattery’s of Whitefield.