Children from St Mary’s C of E First School and Nursery in West Moors have taken part in a competition to design the best Christmas card to send to elderly people across East Dorset.

Home Instead Senior Care East Dorset and Blandford, was keen to give back to the elderly in the community this Christmas, as the nationwide lockdown has made 2020 a difficult year for many. They partnered with St Mary’s to run a competition, looking for a winning design to send to their clients this Christmas.

The children from year four’s ‘Woodpecker’ class at St Mary’s would normally look forward to singing carols at a local care home, but unfortunately, they could not sing this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Home Instead’s creative alternative brightened their spirits, as the company challenged the whole year group to create the most festive card.

Elderly people across the area who are cared for by Home Instead judged the competition, selecting eight-year-old Eddie Clarke’s nativity scene as the winner.

Eddie was rewarded with a prize for his winning card design, and it will be printed and used as Home Instead’s chosen design to wish their clients a Merry Christmas.

Headteacher, Mr Roy Sewell commented, “Our pupils were delighted to get busy and design Christmas cards. The children have all shown great enthusiasm and empathy for those who have been isolated from loved ones this year. We hope that Eddie’s winning design brings happiness to all this Christmas.”