SCHOOLCHILDREN from south and west Dorset are being invited to design their own Christmas card and help raise funds for charity at the same time.

Youngsters aged 11 and under can enter the competition, organized by online company elsieandfleur.co.uk with the winning entries made and sold for Christmas 2016.

The money raised from the sales of the cards will be donated to The Jemima Layzell Trust, a charity that offers care and support to children who suffer from brain conditions or traumas.

Rachel Doran, founder of www.elsieandfleur.co.uk, said: “We know how creative youngsters can be so we wanted to give them the chance to design their own Christmas card.

“We’re asking them to come up with an eye-catching festive design and incorporate everything we love about Christmas.

“One of our talented makers, Angie Spurgeon, who designs and sells a variety of greetings cards and wraps with us, will then choose one national winner and four regional winners who will all have their cards made and sold in 2016 to raise money for The Jemima Layzell Trust.

“The national winner will also receive a £20 voucher.”

Angie said: “I am very excited about having a chance to see what the children come up with.

“When it comes to Christmas we all become children at heart so I think that gives our competition entrants a big advantage.

“A good Christmas card captures all the magic and joy of the season. Successful designs are often bright, eye-catching and fun and don't be afraid to add some sparkle.”

The Jemima Layzell Trust helps young people with brain injury. It was set up by Jemima’s family and friends in her memory after she passed away in 2012.

It works to raise funds and support young people suffering from brain injury or trauma with their physical rehabilitation and metal wellbeing.

Sophy Layzell, who is a trustee for the charity and also Jemima’s mum, said: “Jemima would have loved this and been one of the first to enter.

“The Jemima Layzell Trust are so honoured to be chosen as the charity to receive funds from such a creative and exciting competition.”

Entries can be hand-drawn or computer generated and can be in colour or black and white, with the only stipulation being that they are festive themed.

All entries must be accompanied with the child’s name, age, school and contact details. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

For more information or to enter email hello@elsieandfleur.co.uk

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830987

e: lee.irving@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoLee