The MP for Stretford and Urmston relaunched an annual Christmas Card competition for children all across the constituency.

Andrew Western relaunched the annual competition on a trip to Barton Clough Primary School on Audley Avenue on Friday.

Mr Western is running the contest for the second time since he became the MP for Stretford and Urmston in a by-election around two years ago.

His predecessor Kate Green, now the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, was running the contest for several years become he became the representative for the region in the House of Commons.

It is sponsored by Therme Group, the company which is behind the creation of a £250 million water park and wellness spa under construction close to the Trafford Centre.

Mr Western said: "I am pleased Therme Group is playing an active role in the local community and sponsoring the Christmas Card competition for a second year in a row."

The winner will be on the front of Mr Western's card to constituents and the runners up will be on the inside of Mr Western's card to constituents for the festive season.

Kamran Broun, 10, from Delamere School on Irlam Road, was the winner among more than 500 entries last year with a design including a multi-coloured Christmas Tree.

Professor David Russell, the chief executive of Therme UK, said: "It is brilliant to support the Stretford and Urmston Christmas Card competition again this year which is a fantastic way of championing creativity."

Mr Western is in touch with the headteachers of primary schools and secondary schools all across the constituency to encourage entries from them.

All entries are to go to andrew.western.mp@parliament.uk or to Andrew Western MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA by November 15.  


This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.