The countdown to the most wonderful time of the year is officially on as the Christmas card competition commences.

The contest run by Hertsmere Borough Council will showcase the winning design on their corporate Christmas card.

Entrants must be aged 11 and under from young artists who live or go to school in Hertsmere.

The festive first-place picture will be the cover of an electronic greeting card sent to partner organisations across the county and be reproduced by a designer for the website and social media.

The design should be a one-dimensional picture in pencil, pen, paints or crayons on a sheet no bigger than A4.

The winner and two runners-up as chosen by Mayor of Hertsmere Councillor Charles Goldstein will be invited to take part in a presentation at the Civic Offices in November.

Christmas will be come early for the chosen artists, as the winner will recceive a £50 gift voucher, with second and third place receiving £30 and £20 vouchers respectively.

Entries must be submitted by Friday, October 20 and must include the contestant’s age address and contact number so that winners can be invited to the presentation ceremony.

Send all submissions to Corporate Communications, Christmas card competition, Hertsmere Borough Council, Civic Offices, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, WD6 1WA