Scores of Christmas card designs are on display at Tiverton Pannier Market – after local schoolchildren flocked to take part in a competition run by the historic venue.

Nearly all the 17 prize winners of the Christmas Card Competition are pupils of Wilcombe Primary School, which embraced the challenge and provided lots of entries across most age groups.

All the entries, judged by Mayor of Tiverton Sue Griggs, prominent local artist Jo Mortimer and Toni-Anne Blight from the Archie Bears stall, will remain on display in the south hall of the market until after Christmas.

The six overall winners were Olly (Year 5), Dexter (Year 4), Logan (Year 3), Oliver (Years 1 and 2) and Freddie (Nursery and Reception) from Wilcombe and Willow (Wild Card) from Castle Primary School.

The prizes, sponsored by the market, Archie Bears and Tiverton Portas Company, included colouring sets, copies of the Tiverton Colouring Book and cones of sweets.

Jim Bray, market manager, said:

“We were overwhelmed by the number and quality of entries we received and are grateful to Wilcombe Primary School and its pupils, in particular, for their magnificent response.

“We promised to display all entries at the market but it proved to be a challenge and we had to call on Tiverton Town Council for extra noticeboards!

“The judges were hugely impressed with the entries and selected the winners and runners-up based on technique, appeal and individuality, among other things.

“There is clearly a great deal of talent out there, which we’re keen to showcase at the market.

“We’re looking forward to coming up with some new activities and challenges for children in 2022.”

Reg Gilbert, head teacher at Wilcombe, said:

“We were delighted at the efforts and enthusiasm of the children who entered the Christmas Card Competition.

“We were amazed by their artistic abilities and feel honoured to have them showcased at the pannier market for the local community to see.

“We are very proud of our Wilcombe family and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.”

Prize winners: Wilcombe Primary School: Year 5 – 1 Olly, 2 Millie, 2 Mya; Year 4 – 1 Dexter, 2 Caleb, 2 Oakley; Year 3 – 1 Logan, 2 JJ, 2 Eleanor; Years 1 and 2 – 1 Oliver, 2 Edward, 2 Oscar; Nursery/Reception – 1 Freddie (Reception), 2 James (Reception), 2 Ryan (Nursery); Wild Card (other schools) – 1 Willow (Castle Primary School), 2 Calvin (St John’s Primary School).

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