Brooks congratulates local winners of Big Ben competition for schoolchildren

Today, Brooks Newmark MP congratulated the local winners of the Big Ben 150th anniversary Christmas card design competition.

The competition theme was ‘Parliament and Big Ben’ and was launched to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Big Ben this year.

The competition was divided into four age categories: Reception and Years 1-2, Years 3-6, Years 7-9 and Years 10-13. Brooks picked an overall winner from all of the entries he received and a runner-up from each of the four age categories, as follows:

• Overall Winner – Archie Trew (Rayne Primary and Nursery School)
• Runners-Up – Category 1 – Imogen Woodward (John Bunyan Infant School)
• Category 2 – Hannah Bilboe (White Court School)
• Category 3 – Courtney Ayling (Alec Hunter Humanities College)
• Category 4 – Chris Whitfield (Edith Borthwick)

These entries will then move forward to the next stage of judging. The prizes for the winners of the competition include climbing to the top of Big Ben, meeting the Keeper of The Great Clock and the Clock Mechanics, touring the House of Commons, and a Big Ben anniversary gift pack, limited edition badge and certificate. The prizes will be presented at a reception in the House of Commons.

Brooks said, “I was very pleased with the fantastic response to the Christmas card competition, with many local entrants from right across the age groups. However, I was particularly impressed with the creativity and imagination that Archie, Imogen, Hannah, Courtney and Chris clearly showed in their designs.

I think this competition was an excellent way for one of our country’s most famous landmarks to inspire youngster’s imaginations across the local area. It really is important to engage young people with Parliament and, as such, it was a pleasure to meet with the winner and runners-up today to congratulate them personally on their excellent work and to present them with their certificates.”

Photo: Brooks Newmark congratulates the local winners of the Big Ben 150th anniversary Christmas card design competition.