There’s no need to Claus a scene, but Christmas is just under three months away – and Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner needs a new illustrator for her festive cards.
Children aged 11 and under are invited to put pen, pencil or paintbrush to A4 paper and submit their creative ho-ho-holiday designs by Monday, November 4 2024.
This year’s theme is ‘the spirit of Christmas’.
The winner will receive a family ticket to Bocketts Farm in Fetcham. If their design is submitted through their school, the school itself will also receive a £50 Amazon voucher.
Two runners-up will also be chosen, both of whom will receive 12 Christmas cards printed with their own designs.
It’s the third time the Commissioner and her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, have opened a competition to Surrey’s young people.
For the past two years, children supported by services commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner were asked to submit their designs.
In 2022, a young girl supported by domestic abuse charity I Choose Freedom was the winner.
The following year, a young person supported by Catch-22’s Music To My Ears programme submitted the winning image.
Festive cheer
Ellie, who has responsibility for the office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Receiving these designs from young people in Surrey is a real highlight of the year for the Commissioner and I. We look forward to it for months in advance.
“I’d really encourage all Surrey residents to share this competition with the children they know.
“We’re really looking forward to seeing their wonderful work.”
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has a fund of £275,000 specifically for initiatives and organisations that support children and young people in the 2024/25 financial year.
The Office also commissions the Surrey Youth Commission, which will begin recruiting in the coming weeks.
“A real highlight”
The Youth Commission allows children and young people to have their say on the crime and policing issues affecting them.
Lisa said: “I’m delighted to open this competition to all Surrey youngsters aged 11 and under.
“Receiving the entries each year is a real highlight for Ellie and I, and it starts the festive season with a real bang.”
Paper pictures sent by post are preferred. Pictures can also be accepted via email, although the original must be supplied if requested by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The attached form must be filled out and included with each entry.
Postal entries should be addressed to: The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey, 3, The Drive, Sandy Lane, Guildford, Surrey, GU3 1HE.
Email entries should be submitted to ChristmasPCC@Surrey.Police.uk
You’ll need to include your name and age, as well as the details of a parent or guardian’s name and a contact number or email address so that we can ask for permission to use your design.