Local pupil wins Christmas card competition

A pupil from All Saints Academy in Thurlestone has won Coast and Country Cottages' Christmas card competition. 

The Salcombe and Dartmouth-based holiday letting agency Coast and Country Cottages was delighted to once again run its art competition this year, offering children across the South Hams the chance to design the company’s 2023 Christmas card.

A spokesperson for Coast and Country Cottages said: "After receiving masses of fantastic entries, the winner was chosen as Susannah Trumble, 9, from All Saints’ Academy Thurlestone, for her design of a gingerbread cottage.

Susannah Trumble's winning card design

"The children were asked to design something that not only celebrates Christmas, but also acts as a reminder of region’s beauty - a challenge the children in the area rose to wonderfully.

"After much deliberation by the judge, Susannah was triumphant for her creation, which displayed some impressive artistic skills, winning herself art supplies worth £50 and a bundle of Christmas cards in her own design to share with friends and family - plus Thurlestone School has received £200 for its art department."

Emily Mercer, Marketing Manager at Coast and Country Cottages said: “It was fabulous to see the childrens' artwork. There are so many talented children here in South Devon, and the creativity was so impressive. A massive thank you to every child that entered – you should all be very proud of yourselves.

“Our parent company Sykes Cottages has recently achieved B Corp accredited status, recognising the positive contribution we as a group make to the people, the planet, and the community we serve. As such, it is a delight to run this competition, working alongside local schools to give budding artists the chance to put their skills into practice, and for one lucky winner to see their creation come to life.”

The judge of the competition, landscape artist Lucy Gunning, who lives locally and has a true love of the county, said: "It was such an honour to be asked to judge this competition, I was thrilled to be involved. I have really enjoyed admiring all the entries, and it was fun seeing how the children responded to the brief.

"The originality of the designs was incredible. Well done to everyone that took part, and congratulations to the worthy winner, Susannah.”

Congratulations to Susannah! The card is beautiful.