SCHOOLCHILDREN have been getting into the Christmas spirit by helping a North-East housing association design its company Christmas card.

Pupils from St Lawrence's Primary School in Byker were invited by the Byker Community Trust (BCT) to draw or paint a picture that could be used on the front cover of their card this year and on the front cover of Byker News, the BCT's tenants' newsletter.

Lucia Benedetti, 10, was named the overall winner with her colourful drawing of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. Judges also selected a winning design from each year group.

David Jones, head of engagement and community development from the BCT, said: "We are always keen to work with the local community and thought it would be a great idea to involve all the pupils to design our corporate Christmas card.

"The children did a fantastic job and we were very impressed with the high calibre of designs and entries from all year groups. It was a very difficult decision to pick an overall winner because they were all good but Lucia's drawing was just perfect and I would like to thank all the children who took the time to create their designs and to the teachers of St. Lawrence's who helped us with the competition."

Paul Brown, headmaster at St Lawrence's Primary School, said: "We were honoured to be asked to take part in the competition and I know that all of the children thoroughly enjoyed taking part. The children put their heart and soul into it as they always do.

"We would like to thank the Byker Community Trust for working with us on this project and look forward to continuing this partnership in future."

The winners from each year group were Rafal Bien (reception), Maddison Turnbull (year one), Alicia Watson (year two), Daniel Sadi (year three), Wadik Mahder (year four) and Jenna Banks (year six).