A CHRISTMAS card designed by a Lower Gornal schoolgirl will be dropping through hundreds of letterboxes across the country, including the Queen's.

Dudley North MP Ian Austin launched a competition encouraging youngsters to design his parliamentary Christmas cards and Alanah Carroll's festive snowman design won.

The 10-year-old Straits Primary School pupil was presented with a prize by the MP during a carol service this morning (Friday).

Cards have been professionally printed in full colour and include the name and school of the winner and four runners up - Samantha Jayne Mason from Cotwall End Primary, Zuzanna Szczepanek from Foxyards Primary School, Jack Witton from Priory Primary School and Evie Graham from Milking Bank Primary School - who also received a prize.

Mr Austin said: “Yet again, the standard of this year’s entrants has been really high.

"I loved Alanah’s design with the snowman, which was brilliantly drawn and very festive.

“It was a huge privilege to go to Straits Primary and present her with an award for her design skills.

“I’d like to thank all of the children and the schools who entered, and the local businesses who donated prizes.”