THE talented winners of the Bury Times 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 Ellie Tate, aged nine.

Ellie, a year four pupil at Holcombe Brook Primary School, said: “I was thrilled when my mum told me.

“All the teachers have said well done to me. My teacher Mr Crawshaw encouraged us to enter and I thought I might have a chance of winning.

"I do a lot of drawing at home.”

Meanwhile, the winner of the four to seven category was Michael Hardman, aged five.

Michael, who attends Christ Church Ainsworth C of E Primary School, said: “I am very excited and happy. I like drawing Santa and Christmas things.”

The winning designs were printed as Christmas cards by Impression Ltd in Bolton, 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, and a £50 voucher from the Mill Gate Shopping Centre.