‘Tis the season to be jolly and five young artists have brought their festive cheer to Hertsmere Borough Council in the annual Seasonal Card competition, resulting in them being recognised for their efforts.

Nine-year-old Inaaya Hayath, from Cowley Hill School in Borehamwood and Olivia MgBor, 10, from Ladbrooke JMI School in Potters Bar have been named overall winners of this year’s contest. Inaaya’s design with a snowman theme has been earmarked as the council’s corporate card, while Olivia’s innovative design of a diagonal cross to create four triangles with a different seasonal theme was picked for the Mayor of Hertsmere’s card. Three runners-up were also announced.

They are Iris Topallaj, three, from Kenilworth Primary School in Borehamwood; Alex Cham, 10, from Haberdashers Aske’s Boys School in Elstree and Lucy Watts, seven, from Shenley Primary School in Shenley.

The youngsters were presented with their prizes by the Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor Brenda Batten, at a ceremony at the Civic Offices last week.

All five winners received a certificate, gift voucher, a large poster version of their design and a pack of their own cards to give to friends and family.

All primary schools in the borough were invited to take part in the competition at the beginning of this term. Entries were received from across the borough and judging took place at the end of October, by the Mayor.