CREATIVE pupils helped their local social landlord send its seasonal greetings.

Chester-le-Street-based Cestria Community Housing asked youngsters at Nettlesworth Primary School to paint a picture for its Christmas cards.

Ten-year-old Abbie Nicholson came up with the winning design, which was incorporated into an e-card and emailed to all Cestria’s partners and stakeholders.

Cestria staff presented Abbie and her fellow pupils with framed copies of their designs during a special presentation this week.

Cestria is building new homes in Nettlesworth and has forged links with the community before work starts in the New Year.

Earlier this year the association asked pupils at the school to design artwork to brighten up the walls of The Cestria Hub , Cestria’s customer contact point in Front Street, Chester-le-Street.

Lisa Coverdale, Cestria’s Customer Relationship Manager, said: “Our work is very much community based and we wanted to involve members of the local community in designing our Christmas card this year, especially with Cestria building new homes in Nettlesworth.

“The children came up with some brilliant designs and it was very hard picking a winner.

“Abbie’s design was just perfect and we hope it will spread some Christmas cheer to everyone who receives it.”

Nettlesworth head teacher Leonora Roberts said: ““We’ve really enjoyed working with Cestria on this project and earlier in the year too. Nettlesworth is quite a small community and there are not many opportunities to work in partnership like this so it’s been a valuable experience.

“With the new houses being built close to the school we hope there will be other opportunities in the future to work together again.”