Excited children along with their parents and teachers attended a prize-giving event in Garston on Monday evening, each one hoping that his or her entry had been selected in the Co-operative Food Stores Christmas Picture Competition for Schools.

Children in six local primary schools from South Oxhey to Hemel Hempstead entered their designs into the competition which was being held in the area for the first time but looks likely to become an annual event.

The criteria for the entries was that they should be a Christmas scene without using computer enhancement. There two categories: 4-7 years and 8-11 years, each with three winners as well as a winning school.

Competition entries were displayed on the walls of the hall at Stanborough Park Church in Garston where the judging took place the previous Wednesday.

The prize-giving event was organised by a team of staff from Co-operative Foods who provided a buffet for those attending. The children received their prizes from Councillor George Derbyshire, Vice Chairman of Watford Borough Council.

Winners were:

Age 4-7:

1 Jolaina Richards

2 Tate Kurutz 3 Ruby Cole

The winning primary school: Stanborough Primary School

Age 8-11: 1 Mia Garrett

2 Sivani Balakumar

3 Paris Mitchell

The winning school was Chambersbury Primary School, Hemel Hempstead

In the Highly Commended by the Judges Award: Alex Lord, Sita Vass, Aditya Samant, Alessia Perez and Nicholas Antohi.