CHRISTMAS creativity is being encouraged across South East Cornwall as local MP Anna Gelderd launches her annual festive card competition for the third year running.

Launched this week, the competition invites primary school-aged children to put their artistic talents to the test and design a Christmas card celebrating everything that makes Cornwall special at the most wonderful time of the year.

This year’s theme is ‘Christmas in Cornwall’, giving youngsters the chance to showcase their favourite local places, festive traditions and the people who make the area unique.

The winning design will feature on Ms Gelderd’s official Christmas card, which will be distributed throughout the constituency and sent to colleagues and contacts in Westminster.

The competition has quickly become a festive highlight for the South East Cornwall MP, who says she is always impressed by the imagination and creativity shown by local children.

Ms Gelderd said: “I’m really pleased to launch my third annual Christmas card competition. It has quickly become one of the highlights of my year because I get to see first-hand just how creative the children in our area are, and I’m always blown away by the designs that are submitted.

“I look forward to seeing this year’s designs, and I’m asking local children to think about what Christmas in Cornwall means to them and come up with a design that celebrates our local area during the Christmas period.”

Whether it’s a snowy Cornish coastline, a decorated Christmas tree, a favourite festive tradition or a colourful celebration of community spirit, children are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild.

Young artists have until Sunday, November 8, to submit their masterpieces, giving families plenty of time to get creative.

Entries can be emailed to [email protected], shared via social media by tagging Ms Gelderd, or posted to Anna Gelderd MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.