A Borehamwood teenager with dreams of becoming a cartoonist is getting his first taste of success as Christmas cards he designed go on sale, following a competition organised by the Elstree and Borehamwood Rotary Club and sponsored by the Borehamwood & Elstree Times.

Dean Swann's cards, which feature Father Christmas on a snow-covered roof, are on sale at places including the Borehamwood Times offices, in Drayton Road, and Worknet, in Shenley Road.

The competition, open to pupils at primary and middle schools, was held last year, so that the Rotary Club could organise the printing of 3,500 cards in time for this Christmas.

There were winners in various age groups, but 13-year-old Dean, of Ashley Drive, who is now at Hertswood School, was voted overall winner by the judging panel, made up of Rotary Club members Geraldine Louch and Steve Almer, and Borehamwood Times editor Rod Brewster.

Pat Duncan, chairman of the club's youth activities committee, said: "It was well done graphically, it was punchy and it works as a commercial design."

Club spokesman David Clout, added of the contest which has been held annually for the past five years: "It encourages young people in their art. One feature of the Rotary Club's work is to encourage young people."

Dean said: "I would like to be a cartoonist and it is good getting my art sold in shops. When I see it, I will think: 'Look, that is my card'."

Proceeds from the sale of cards, priced at £1.50 for a six-pack and £10 for 40, will go towards the funding of the Rotary Club's local projects.

October 31, 2001 15:20