Our Lady’s Pupil Wins Ann and Vikki’s Christmas Card Competition

Leila Pugh, a pupil at Our Lady’s Roman Catholic Primary School, is the budding artist whose design has won the festive competition held by MP Ann Clwyd and AM Vikki Howells.

The Cynon Valley representatives held the challenge for local primary school children to come up with the image that would feature on their Christmas card, and were impressed with the standard as over 150 youngsters pitched their seasonal image.

The theme this year was ‘The Star of Bethlehem’, and Leila Pugh won first prize for her design featuring Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus.

Ann Clwyd MP said:-

“This has been an annual event of mine for many years. I was pleased, however, this year, to welcome Vikki Howells who joined me in the work of organising and judging the many entries. I am sure now that this will become an annual joint event.

“This year’s competition was themed ‘The Star of Bethlehem’ to remind us all of the children who are suffering, because of war in places such as Syria, Yemen and other neighbouring countries. The Christmas Star remains a beacon of hope in a sea of despair, for so many people.”

Vikki Howells AM said:-

“The standard of entry was very high – there are lots of talented artists in local schools! Both Ann and I were very impressed with the designs sent in, and it was hard to pick a winner.

“Leila’s winning image will feature on 450 cards printed by local firm APC Printers which will be sent out across the Cynon Valley.

“We want to thank all the local businesses who generously sponsored the event and also grateful thanks to the librarian Ms. Judith George and her staff at Aberdare Library for hosting the presentation and displaying all the entries.”

Other winners include:-

2^nd place: Jake Thomas Rosser – St Margaret’s RC Primary School

3^rd place: Isabella Gratland – Cwmdar Primary School

Highly commended: Niamh Davies – Cwmdar Primary School; Naomi Crystal Goodall – Our Lady’s RC Primary School; Leoni Marshall – Pengeulan Primary School, Rhoda Page – Pengeulan Primary School; Keira-Leigh Thomas – St Margaret’s RC Primary School.