Youngsters design council's cards

Jessica's card was chosen by the chairman of the council

Christmas cards sent out by Devon County Council this year have been designed by three children being looked after by the council.

A card designed by the youngest winner, Jessica, 6, was chosen by the chairman of the council, Des Shadrick, as his official card.

Fifteen-year-old Kristy's card will be sent out by the management board.

And a textile collage by 19-year-old Sophy has been selected to feature on the council's website.

Kristy's card is a drawing of a reindeer complete with handbag, lipstick and very long eyelashes, while Sophy's collage depicts a Christmas tree with presents.

Jessica's card features a Christmas tree and snowman.

Kristy's card will be sent out by the council's management board

The competition was judged by the vice-chairman of the County Council, Brenda Taylor, and the executive member for children's services, John Smith.

"The standard was excellent and it was very difficult to choose the winners as all the entrants had put in a lot of effort and imagination," said Ms Taylor.

"However, we eventually picked one of the youngest entries whose card had been done with the help of a computer....as we have a policy of encouraging students to use IT.

"The reindeer card was chosen as it was such a happy card and the collage card was quite exceptional."

There are currently about 600 children looked after by Devon Social Services.