The National Literacy Trust has launched its first national Christmas card design competition.

Swindon Stories, the literacy campaign from the trust, WHSmith and Swindon Borough Council, is encouraging primary school pupilas around the town to get involved and potentially win prizes.

The challenge is free to enter for anyone aged five to 11.

All the designs should have a joyful and festive theme, be on A5 sized paper and can be scanned and submitted by schools and parents to christmas@literacytrust.org.uk before the deadline of Friday November 13.

One lucky winner will receive a stocking full of books as well as a virtual visit to their school from judge and award-winning illustrator and designer Dapo Adeola.

This design will be available for people around the UK to purchase for their friends, families and colleagues ahead of Christmas along with 11 other designs that make the shortlist on Making a Difference from December 1.

For more information, visit literacytrust.org.uk/christmas-card-competition.

Swindon Stories manager Anish Harrison said: “I would love to see a primary pupil from Swindon win this Christmas card competition.

"We’ve seen so much creativity across Swindon during lockdown, including fantastic poems, stories and craft creations, so we can’t wait to see the entries.”

Dapo Adeola said: “This year has been difficult for so many of us, so I’m calling on children to come up with their most joyful creations for the National Literacy Trust’s festive card competition.

"I’m looking for drawings of things that make you smile from ear to ear and that will be sure to raise everyone’s spirits. I can’t wait to see the festive stories that the children tell through their designs.”

National Literacy Trust chief executiveJonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said:

“We are delighted to launch our first national festive card competition ahead of the Christmas period and cannot wait to see and share children’s inspiring designs with the world. With so much uncertainty right now, we are all in need of some early festive cheer.

“All proceeds from the sale of our cards will help us support the literacy, learning and wellbeing of one million children most seriously affected by Covid-19. There has never been a more important time for our work and we are so thankful to everyone who can help us raise vital funds to ensure that the impact of Covid-19 does not last a lifetime for any child.”