THE winner and runner-up of the Bury Times' “Rock ’it with Santa” competition both can’t wait to meet Santa at Bury The Rock’s Christmas parade.

School children from across Bury were asked to design a rocket fit for Father Christmas himself, with Bury Times readers picking the best one.

The winner was five-year-old Max Monaghan, from Walmersley, and the runner-up was six-year-old Roxanne Sykes, from Brandlesholme.

Max’s mum Alleesha Hyde said Max was “so excited” when he found out he’d won and can’t wait for today's parade.

“He can’t wait to meet Santa, what five-year-old wouldn’t?” She said.

“He loves colouring, drawing and decorating, anything like that.

“There are stickers all over his bedroom and things like that, he loves being creative.”

And Roxanne’s mum Faye Sykes said the news of success cheered up her daughter who was been through a difficult time.

Roxanne was in hospital for a week with an unknown bacterial infection at the end of September and then missed five weeks of school.

At the same time her uncle, whom she adores, went away with the Army.

“She was absolutely over the moon when she found out she had won the runner-up prize,” said Faye.

“It’s been quite a tough time for her so this is a nice little treat to take her mind off things.

“She can be quite shy and she didn’t think her entry would be good enough, but coming second has really improved her confidence.

“We are all really pleased for her and really proud of her.”

Both Max and Roxanne will have their designs printed on Christmas cards by Impression Bolton Ltd and will receive a chocolate Santa from Slattery confectioners in Whitefield.

As winner, Max will receive a £50 toy bundle from The Rock, and runner-up Roxanne will win a £25 bundle.

Both will be presented with their presents, and a personalised book, by Santa in his grotto.

Visitors to The Rock’s Christmas event will also have the opportunity to follow Santa and his helpers in the parade the shopping complex, joined by the Royal Regiment of Lancashire Fusiliers Band and the Carol Godby theatre workshop.

There will also be a pop-up elf workshop where there will be free activities for all the family, from gingerbread men decorating with Bury College to present wrapping from the Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, plus festive face painting and crafts.

Children can enjoy a free sleigh ride from a Christmas elf and visit Santa in his brand new grotto.