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

She 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 that Ms Green will send to her constituents this year.

Designs by the four runners up will be printed inside the card.

The MP plans to send the card out to hundreds of local people, businesses, voluntary and community groups, faith groups and schools.

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

Ms Green 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 huge thank you to Cargill. Cargill have generously sponsored my competition for many years, they do excellent work in the local community and I'm very grateful for their support."

Paul Kingston, general manager, of Cargill, said: "Cargill are really pleased to support the Christmas Card design competition again this year. Supporting the 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."

Entries should be sent to Kate Green MP, Christmas card design competition, Stretford Public Hall, Chester Road, Stretford, Manchester, M32 0LG or via email to kate.green.mp@parliament.uk by October 18.