WINCHESTER MP Steve Brine's annual competition to design a Christmas card attracted more than 300 entries.

The winner was Gabrielle Panayides, from Sparsholt Primary School, has won the fifth annual competition.

Gabrielle, aged eight, is following in the footsteps of previous winners Daisy Conway, Eleanor Ring, Liam Skeat and Ellis Gauntlett Boak, and won first place with painting of the Angel Gabriel celebrating the ‘spirit of Christmas’.

Gabrielle, who also won the Year Four prize, now wins a family ticket for this year's Jack & the Beanstalk pantomime courtesy of Theatre Royal Winchester.

This year saw entries from 10 schools whittled down to a shortlist of finalists, and the entries were judged by Hyde artist Josephine Chisholm.

As well as the main prize, there were also a range of year group winners and commendations. Toby Chambers from Princes Mead School won the Reception year prize, and Izzy Hamilton from Kings Worthy Primary won Year One.

There were also special commendations for Summer Allen from South Wonston Primary School and Thea Simpson of St Faith’s C of E Primary School.

The Year Group winners all receive family tickets to Marwell Zoo, and all the paintings are now on display in the Children’s Library at the Winchester Discovery Centre until Christmas.

Mr Brine said: “Another record year for entries and I was delighted so many schools were able to allow their children to take part. As ever, I am really grateful for everyone who helped to make this happen, including our sponsors Theatre Royal Winchester and Marwell Wildlife, as well as Winchester Discovery Centre who once again have been so kind and generous with their time and space.

"My congratulations go to Gabrielle and all the Year Group and Commendation winners, and of course, to Josephine Chisholm who was a fantastic judge.”