CHRISTMAS has come early for a Chester schoolboy who is celebrating after winning a competition to design a festive card for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Earlier this year, the hospice launched a design competition for local primary schools. Participating schools were asked to draw a Christmas scene of their choice and return them to the hospice by the end of April for the chance to win a fantastic prize.

The winning design would go on to be printed as one of the Hospice Christmas cards 2008 and sold in aid of the worthy cause.

Hundreds of entries were received from various local primary schools including Blacon and Guilden Sutton.

Following the closing date the fundraising team had the tough job of choosing one design as the winner. After much deliberation a decision was made and Connor Beesley, a pupil at Guilden Sutton Primary School, was announced the winner.