Christmas might be many months away. But school children have already started getting festive.

Budding artists at St Mary's CE Primary School, Hawkshaw, won a first prize and two commendations in a design a Christmas card competition organised by the The Mission to Seafarers.

Seven year-old April Woodcock won a set of paints, brushes and a large drawing pad as well as a special winner's certificate in the infants under eight category with her entry of the Three Kinds. Her creative flair has won the school £50.

Fellow classmates Hollie Ashworth and Charlotte Hui (10) were awarded certificates of commendation for their work.

Similar awards have been been given to the winners of the junior and senior categories. The 300 entries received nationwide ranged from traditional Christmas scenes to designs featuring ships and seafarers . The Mission to Seafarers, which cares for the spiritual and practical welfare of seafarers in 300 ports across the world, is still to decide which of the winning entries will be used as one of its Christmas cards this year.

Mrs Margaret Bragg, teacher at the Bolton Road school, said: "The children were excited by the though that one of them might produce a design for sale in aid of the charity.

"They were thrilled that three of them are among the prize winners and commendations."