The winner of a children’s Christmas card competition has been announced and sent to dignitaries across the country by a Sussex MP.

The competition, by Lewes MP Maria Caulfield, saw schoolchildren across the constituency submit a range of festive designs based on this year’s theme - Christmas songs.

A huge range of festive tunes were depicted by the pupils, including Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bells and Feliz Navidad.

However, it was a drawing of Rudolph of Red Nosed Reindeer surrounded by snow and Christmas trees, by Marceline Fielding from Chyngton School in Seaford, that won the competition.

The winning Christmas card design was presented to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and sent to Number 10, the Cabinet, members of Parliament, councillors, local businesses and charities, as well as other local dignitaries.

Four schoolchildren were runners-up in the competition; Amelia and Erin, also from Chyngton School, and Jessica and Ellie, both from Cradle Hill Community Primary School in Seaford.

Their festive designs feature on the back of the Christmas card.

Maria Caulfield thanked the children who took part in this year’s competition and praised the “brilliant designs” submitted.

She said: “The standard of entries was very high and it was extremely difficult to choose a winner and runners-up.

“Special congratulations to Marceline, whose design of Rudolph really impressed myself and my team.

“I know that everyone who receives this card will be smiling like I was when seeing the fantastic drawings.

“Congratulations to everyone who entered and I hope you all have a lovely Christmas.”