Schoolgirl’s merry design wins Mayor’s Christmas card competition

The artistic talents of a Lancaster schoolgirl saw her beat off competition from hundreds of rivals and design a Christmas card to be sent to the King.

Seven-year-old Clara Salthouse has been chosen as the winner of the Mayor of Lancaster’s Christmas card competition and has won a VIP tour of Lancaster Town Hall with nine of her friends and family.

Her colourful winning entry is adorned with stars and features a Christmas tree next to a fireplace hung with stockings in preparation for a visit from Santa.

Clara, from Christ Church Primary School, also received a framed copy of her winning design as part of her prize and a book token.

The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Margaret Pattison, said: “It has been an absolute joy to review all the wonderful entries for this year’s Christmas card competition. The creativity and festive spirit on display were truly heartwarming. Thank you to everyone who took part and a special congratulations to Clara, whose cheerful design really captured the magic of Christmas.”

Clara’s winning design has been sent to a number of important people by the Mayor on behalf of Lancaster City Council, including His Majesty the King.

The rear of the card features designs from of the runners-up in the competition, eight-year-old Felix Benson from Cathedral Catholic Primary School in Lancaster, and seven-year-old Jorgie Simmons-Greenland, from Carnforth Christ Church Primary School.

Last updated: 22 December 2025