THE nights are getting darker and the days are getting colder which means only one thing - Christmas is just around the corner.

With the festive season upon us, Robert Buckland wants primary school pupils from across South Swindon to get involved in what has become an annual tradition.

As the MP for South Swindon, Robert sends Christmas cards to many individuals and organisations and he is offering pupils the chance to put their creative skills to good use by designing his official card for 2017.

The winning design will be professionally printed ready to be signed and sent out. It will be sent to many businesses, public sector organisations, schools, charities and community organisations and to councillors, MPs and Ministers.

A year ago, Lainesmead Primary pupil Avisha Singh was awarded the first prize in the contest with her Father Christmas chimney design.

Runners up came from Holy Family, Tregoze and King William Street with designs featuring a robin, Rudolph, the nativity and a place familiar to every MP, the Palace of Westminster.

Robert said: “I hope the children enjoy taking part in the competition and I am looking forward to receiving all of the entries.

“Last year, I received many excellent designs and it took me some time to choose a winner.”

The Christmas card competition is open to all primary school pupils in Robert’s constituency of South Swindon.

Entries should be sent to his constituency office at 29b Wood Street, Old Town Swindon, SN1 4AN before December 18.