A budding artist from Bamber Bridge in Preston has moved a step further in becoming one of the designers of Royal Mail’s 2013 Christmas stamps.
As part of Royal Mail’s children’s Christmas Stamp Design competition, the entry from Tia Dann, aged 7 from St Mary's and St Benedict's Roman Catholic Primary School, was chosen as one of the best entries from thousands from the North West region.
Tia’s entry is one of 140 that have been shortlisted and will go through to the next stage of the competition where local judges will select their top two entries to represent the region in the national final.
During the national final, HRH The Prince of Wales will lead a panel of judges who will select the two designs that will feature on this year’s First and Second Class Christmas stamps. The stamps will be on sale from November 5th.
She has already won £100 in vouchers and £100 for her school. However, this will increase if she progresses in the competition*.
Speaking from Westminster, Mr Evans said:
“I am delighted for Tia that her entry has been shortlisted for the next stage of the competition. That in itself is a fantastic achievement. Royal Mail has received an astonishing 240,000 entries from children aged 4-11-years old from across the UK in response to the question ‘What does the Christmas season mean to you?’
“Only twice before in Royal Mail’s history – 1966 and 1981 - have the official Christmas stamps been designed by children so I wish Tia the best of luck in the competition!”
As with all Special Stamps issued by Royal Mail, both winning designs will have to be approved by The Queen. Other Christmas stamps for different postal rates, and a religious-themed issue, will also be available from November 5.
All the entries submitted to the competition can now be viewed on a special website – www.royalmailstampcompetition.com