An East Calder Primary student has had their Christmas card design chosen by Gregor Poynton MP. P6 student Bruce Torres’ artwork was selected to appear on the Labour politician’s official Christmas cards. Poynton had invited all primary schools in his constituency to participate in a competition to create festive drawings, with over 300 entries received. The MP expressed his delight at the creativity and talent displayed by the young participants, stating that choosing a winner was a challenging task due to the exceptional quality of all entries.
Bruce’s winning design, titled ‘Livingston at Christmas,’ depicts various festive scenes from the local area, including the designer outlet, Set Fare Arena, Almond Valley, and Deer Park. The card was printed locally in Broxburn and funded by the Almond Valley Constituency Labour Party. It has been distributed to hundreds of constituents, businesses, and primary school pupils across the region. The winning card even made its way to Westminster, where it was photographed with Poynton and the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
In addition to the winning design, two runners-up were also named – Adam Ashraf from Cedarbank School and Qismah from Pumpherston and Uphall Community Primary School. All participants in the competition will receive a Christmas card and a certificate of participation from Poynton to acknowledge their creative efforts. The winners and runners-up were rewarded with a personal card from the MP and a House of Commons Barry Bear soft toy.
The initiative not only showcased the artistic talents of young students but also fostered a sense of community spirit and festive cheer in Livingston. By engaging with local schools and students, Poynton demonstrated his commitment to involving young people in civic activities and celebrating their creativity.
This collaboration between a Member of Parliament and primary school students highlights the importance of nurturing artistic talents in young individuals and the positive impact of community-focused initiatives. The festive card design competition served as a platform for students to showcase their creativity and spread joy during the holiday season, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment among participants.