STRETFORD and Urmston MP Kate Green has launched her annual Christmas card design competition, with support from Trafford Park-based business Cargill PLC.

Ms Green has written to every school in her constituency, inviting their pupils to take part.

The winning design will appear on the front of the Christmas card she will send to her constituents this year. Designs by the four runners up will be printed inside the card.

She plans to send the card out to hundreds of Trafford residents, businesses, voluntary and community groups, faith groups, and schools.

The MP will send certificates to each pupil who takes part and the overall winner will also receive a small prize and certificate.

She said: "Last year I received hundreds of entries from schools around the constituency. I was so impressed with the creative designs submitted and I’m looking forward to getting lots of fantastic entries again this year.

"I want to say a big thank you to Cargill. Cargill has generously sponsored my competition for many years, they do excellent work in the community and I'm very grateful for their support."

Paul Kingston, general manager of Cargill, said: "Cargill is really pleased to support the Christmas Card Design Competition again this year.

"Supporting the local community is important to us, and many of our employees have children who attend Trafford schools.

"Kate and I will have a hard job picking the winner!"

* Any child or young person living in the Stretford and Urmston constituency is welcome to take part.

Entries should be sent to Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester, M32 0LG or via email to kate.green.mp@parliament.uk by October 19.

Please use the following template to submit entries: www.kategreen.org/images/template2016.pdf