A YOUNGSTER is celebrating after winning her school's Design a Christmas Card competition for the second year in a row.

Charlotte Simpson, 12, beat off competition from more than 500 pupils at St Michael's School, in Billingham, to win the prize.

It is the 15th year students have been challenged to produce festive designs, with the winner published as the school's Christmas card.

Lindy Pearson, head of art at the school, said: "No previous pupil has ever won twice. Charlotte's achievement is particularly praiseworthy because she is so young and she faced stiff competition from senior students who are doing art at GCSE level."

The competition was judged by headteacher Tony Maxwell.

He said: "There were no names on the designs, only code numbers so I had no idea I had selected Charlotte's entry as the winner for the second year running.

"She really has a talent in designing cards and I am sure some of the big card firms would be impressed with her ideas."

Charlotte's winning design this year was a silhouette of the manger. Last year it was the dove of peace