THE PAINSWICK branch of Hamptons International’s held its annual Christmas drawing competition over the festive season and staff were once again impressed by the high standard of entries.

The Draw a Christmas Cracker and the Decorate the Christmas Cracker competition was open to all primary school children at The Croft School in Painswick.

Younger children were encouraged to participate in this festive competition by colouring in the Christmas Cracker, while the older children used their creative skills to draw and decorate a cracker of their own design.

The winners, one for each year, were announced at the school assembly on Thursday where the children were presented with an art pack by Painswick Hamptons branch manager Guy Tabony who also presented headmaster Kevin Howie with a cheque for £100 for the school.

“The Hamptons Christmas Drawing Competition is a popular event,” said Mr Tabony.

“We were delighted to hold it again this year. Working with the local community is important to us.

“This is the third year we have been involved with The Croft School and we are pleased to be partnering it again.”

Stroud News & Journal editor, Sue Smith who helped present the prizes at The Croft School said: “It was really tough picking out the best entries as there were some very imaginative pieces of work.

“The quality of artwork was exceptionally high and everyone who entered really put a lot of thought into their entries.”

The winners from each year group were: Reception – William Hannis, 5 Year 1 -Molly Rozario, 5, Year 2 –Jasmine Davies, 6, Year 3- Elektra Tyack, 8, Year 4 – Isla Skelston, 8, Year 5 Hugo Mercer, 9, Year 6 – Layla Jordan, 10.

The competition entries are currently displayed in the Painswick Hamptons International branch window for visitors to admire over the festive period.