THE winner of a competition to design the Christmas card for Moray's MP has been hailed for her artistic skill.

A picture of Santa Claus and his reindeer at a snowy Covesea Lighthouse was selected for Douglas Ross' festive greetings from a huge pile of incredible designs.

Its creator is Evie Souter (6), who is in P2 at St Gerardine’s Primary School, Lossiemouth.

Mr Ross said: "I was absolutely delighted with the standard of entries from primary schools across Moray this year, and once again I found it really difficult to pick a winner, because there were so many excellent designs.

"After looking through the many entries there had to be an overall winner and I was taken by the design submitted by Evie. The design with Santa and Rudolph visiting Covesea Lighthouse painted a great image of Moray at Christmas."

Because the parliamentarian had to be in the House of Commons when the presentations were made, his office manager Doug Mackenzie stepped in.

Prizes also went to runners-up Josh Innes, P6, Portknockie Primary; Cameron Ross, P7, Newmill Primary and Alana Doherty, P6, Milnes Primary. All the pupils who took part also received certificates.

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Mr Ross added: "I’m grateful to all the pupils who took part in the competition and for submitting their excellent designs and I would also like to thank all the sponsors.

"As a result of their generosity I will also be able to donate the balance of the money raised from this competition to the MFR Children’s Appeal."

A display is now being created at Elgin Library featuring many of the entries submitted.

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