Local Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has launched her annual Christmas card competition, inviting 4-15 year olds from all over Hornsey and Wood Green to create a Fair Trade Christmas image that will be adopted as her official 2005 Christmas card.

The competition has three age categories with three prizes in each. The overall winner will not only have their design printed and produced to be distributed by Lynne Featherstone, but will also be invited, along with their class, to have tea with her in the House of Commons.

Commenting on this year’s theme, Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“We have decided on a Fair Trade theme this year as it is an important issue at a time of year when we should be thinking of those less fortunate than ourselves and what we can do to help them.

“Fair Trade ensures a fair deal for people in the developing world who provide us with the little luxuries we take for granted such as coffee, chocolate and even clothes. The scheme picks up key Christmas themes such as giving and sharing.

“It is also a very important issue locally and in fact I am trying to achieve Fair Trade status in my constituency office.I hope this competition will raise awareness of Fair Trade for all ages.

“Letters have been sent to every school in the constituency. If any child who lives in Hornsey and Wood Green but attends a school that is not in the constituency wishes to enter they are very welcome. Details can be obtained from my office on 020 8340 5459.

“The deadline is Monday 24th October and I am looking forward to seeing what those budding young artists out there can produce!”

Notes:

The Christmas card competition has three age groups: 4-6; 7-10; and 11-15 year olds. The age of each entrant is determined as at 1st September 2005.

The deadline is 24th October 2005 and every entry should have the student’s name, age, class and school written clearly on the back for ease of return. All entries need to be sent to the constituency office at First Floor Offices, Three Compasses, 62 High Street, Hornsey, London, N8 7NX.