A PUPIL at Landscore Primary School in Crediton, Edith Coomer (10), and Stoke Canon Primary School pupil Lily Reeves (6), received personal visits from their Member of Parliament on Friday, January 12.

The two talented young designers were runners-up in a competition to design Central Devon MP Mel Stride’s 2017 Christmas card, which featured their two drawings.

Edith drew a picture of children playing in a winter scene and Lily drew a winter palace with a reindeer.

The Devon MP sends more than 1,000 cards each year, including to organisations he has visited during the previous 12 months, as well as friends, family and fellow MPs.

This is the fifth year Mel has opened the design up to a competition from all 43 primary schools within his constituency, which was again sponsored by Glendinnings in Ashburton.

Mr Stride said: “All of the entries this year were fantastic, but the pictures by Edith and Lily really captured what is so special about Christmas. It was a real pleasure sending out my cards with their designs on it.”

During his visits Mr Stride caught up with Landscore Headteacher Debbie Main and with teachers at Stoke Canon and congratulated them both on their latest Ofsted Reports which both received a rating of "Good".

Mr Stride added: “There was a real community atmosphere at both schools with pupils enjoying themselves and doing well academically.

"The staff are clearly doing a great job.”

In January last year Mr Stride hosted a visit from 30 Year 5 and 6 pupils from Stoke Canon Primary School to Westminster.

Alan Quick