[11 DEC 01] LEARNING AND SKILLS COUNCIL NEWS

Jane's Card Is A Christmas Winner

Nine year-old Jane Townsend is celebrating after her artwork was chosen by Learning and Skills Council Coventry and Warwickshire staff to be used for their 2001 Christmas card.

The Year 5 pupil at Moseley Primary School in Coundon, Coventry, was chosen from a large number of entries submitted by local primary school pupils, and her drawing will now appear on over 1,000 Christmas cards being sent out by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

Jane was presented with a framed certificate from the LSC Coventry and Warwickshire along with prizes from Father Christmas and Ashley Grewcock from the Coventry and Warwickshire Connexions Service.

Artistic Jane, one of the youngest pupils in her year, drew inspiration from her teenage brother who is at college studying A-level Art.

Jane's mother, Ann, commented:

"I am absolutely delighted that Jane was chosen as the winner, as she put a lot of work into the winning card, practising beforehand to get it just right.

"I am extremely proud of her achievement, but I am not completely surprised as there seems to be a creative streak in the family.

"Jane loves to spend time at home drawing and her favourite subject at school is art, so hopefully this recognition will increase her interest in creative subjects."

Five other budding young artists were also rewarded when Farther Christmas made a guest appearance to present them with advent calendars and chocolates.

These runners up were:

• Sophie Frost (7), St Patricks School, Leamington

• Sophie Rowley (9), Allesley Primary School, Coventry

• Arundeep Bhullar (6), Stoke Primary School, Coventry

• Sophie Meakin (9), Knightlow Primary, Rugby

• Thomas Stride (8), Sowe Valley Primary School, Coventry

Jayne Moore, marketing manager at the LSC Coventry and Warwickshire, added:

"The standard of artwork from all entrants was excellent and everyone here at the LSC would like to thank the pupils for their colourful efforts and wish them all a happy Christmas.”