Artistic children created snowy hillsides, sparkly Christmas trees and glittery gifts when they designed their own festive cards during a special event at a Keighley shopping centre.
Youngsters flocked to the Airedale shopping centre to take part in the competition organised by Pulse 1 radio station and to be in with a chance of winning £150 worth of prizes.
The winning card will be chosen by popular breakfast presenters Danny Mylo and Rosie Madison, before going on display on the station’s website.
Christa Dapolito of Pulse 1, joins card designers Leah Armstrong, seven, and Bryony Armstrong, nine, (right) of Silsden
Sisters Bryony and Leah Armstrong travelled from their home in Silsden to take part in the competition and do some Christmas shopping with their nan Jennifer Armstrong.
Bryony, nine, a pupil at Hothfield Junior School in Silsden, said: “It’s really good and I’ve drawn a Christmas tree and its got stars on it. I’ve put songs around it like ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly’ and ‘Away in a Manger.’
Leah, seven, who also attends Hothfield Junior School, created a snowy Christmas scene, featuring hills and a post box. Nan Jennifer said: “The girls have really enjoyed making their Christmas cards as they love drawing and colouring in and using glitter.”
Little Fatima Sumar, three, from Keighley, who goes to Exley Head Pre-School, who loves arts and crafts, also created her own card, using pom poms and gold and silver glitter.
Becci Shanks, sponsorship, promotions and interactive director at Bradford-based Pulse 1, said: “Our Christmas card design competition provided some great, free festive fun and the designs the children created were terrific, there are some really creative children out there.
“As well as showing off their fabulous artistic talents, children who took part are also in with a chance of winning a voucher worth £150 to spend in the shopping centre.”
Airedale is also playing host to Santa’s Grotto on Brunswick Arcade, run by Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, the centre’s charity for 2015.
The magical winter wonderland will see Father Christmas and his helpers raising vital funds for the hospice in Oxenhope. Donations for the hospice can also be dropped into a wishing well in the centre’s animated display, and the charity is raising more funds with a gift-wrapping service, until 4pm on Christmas Eve.
Steve Seymour, Airedale Shopping Centre manager, said: “We decided to link up with Pulse 1 to host a festive card competition as we thought it was a great idea and so did the families who visited as it proved very popular.
“It is one of a series of special events we’re holding in the run-up to Christmas to help get people in the mood for the festive season and ensure that children have fun when their parents bring them shopping.”
Airedale Shopping Centre is home to more than 80 stores, from fashion, health and beauty to services and food and drink and has more than 425 parking spaces. More details at www.airedaleshoppingcentre.co.uk
Fatima Sumar, three, of Oakworth, works on her card design at the Airedale Centre, Keighley
