BICKLEIGH-on-Exe Primary School pupil Thomas Dennis (age 8) received a visit from his Member of Parliament last month, who wanted to personally congratulate him on being one of the two runners-up in his Christmas card competition.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride sends more than a thousand cards each year, including to organisations he has visited during the previous 12 months, as well as friends, family and fellow MPs.

Thomas’ creative drawing of an array of Christmas fare including a Christmas pudding, tree and reindeer appeared on the back of the card with the winning entry from Tedburn St Mary on the front.

This is the third year Mel has opened the design up to a competition from all 43 Primary Schools within his constituency, which was again sponsored by Rex Rozario OBE, Chairman of Graphic plc in Crediton.

Mel said: “It was very good to meet Thomas and to thank him for his imaginative drawing. Having sent one to the Prime Minister there’s even a chance Thomas’ picture was on display somewhere in Downing Street!”

Mel also spent some time with Head of School Stephen Bosley, asking him about the safer internet afternoon he had read about in the schools latest newsletter.

Mr Bosley added: “Although perhaps difficult to understand for older generations, the internet is part of children’s lives from a very early age and more schools are seeing the importance of teaching their pupils about staying safe on the internet.”

The visit was Mel’s second to the Bickleigh-on-Exe Primary School as an MP having previously visited in 2014.

Alan Quick