The winner of Priti Patel's annual Christmas card competition has been announced.

Lily Burke, an eight-year-old pupil of Milldene Primary School in Tiptree was selected as the winner of the Witham Constituency Christmas Card Competition for this year.

A record number of entries were submitted from schools across the constituency, which Ms Patel had the unenviable job of deciding between.

Ms Patel will present Lily with the Christmas card featuring her design at the school before the end of term along with a congratulatory certificate.

Runners up Ella Succamore, nine, and Ayden Taylor, five, will see their pictures feature on the back of the cards.

Every pupil who entered will receive a certificate of thanks for their entries.

Ms Patel said: "This year's entries were of a superb quality, showcasing pupil's demonstrable talent and creativity.

"Pupils, parents and schools should be proud of the hard work that went into the artwork they submitted.

“I would like to congratulate Lily for her winning design which will look wonderful on my Christmas card this year.

"I would also like to praise the runners-up and all participating pupils, and extend to them, their parents, and the school staff, my very best wishes for Christmas and New Year.”