A seven-year-old from Eastover Primary School, has won a county wide Christmas card competition, for her design encouraging more people to foster children in Somerset. Pupils at Selworthy School won the over-12s category, and also a special group award.

Phoebe Hilyer from Bridgwater was overall winner in a competition open to schools across Somerset. Selworthy school in Taunton picked up two awards – Brooklyn Thomas in the over 12s category and the 'Pink' Class won a special award, for a group collage made from all the class' handprints. Runner up was 9-year-old Charis Goodwin from Hambridge Primary. The winners were presented with prizes, certificates and their finished 'Fostering in Somerset' Christmas Cards by Councillor Frances Nicholson, Lead Member for Children's Services at Somerset County Council.

Cllr Frances Nicholson said: "I'd like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the winners and to all the young people across Somerset who took part in the competition. We had so many fantastic entries and the work produced was beautiful. It's very encouraging to see young people embracing the idea of 'helping others in their community' and we hope their work will encourage others will be inspired to come forward and support 'Fostering in Somerset'."

Nicola Darby, headteacher of Eastover Primary said:

"I am absolutely thrilled for Phoebe, she put so much effort and thought into her card – her family and whole class are very proud of her indeed."

Gillian Lyon, Deputy Head at Selworthy School said: "We are thrilled and delighted by the efforts of everyone who entered the competition from Selworthy School, who all really threw themselves into the spirit and purpose of the competition. But we are especially proud of our worthy winners: Brooklyn from Blue Class and the Pink Class' amazing 'team' innovative handprint design.  We're very proud of their winning designs and hope they help to find foster parents for children whose own family may not be in a position to look after them. Brooklyn has put his prize voucher towards a BMX bike and helmet – he is absolutely thrilled as he has never had his own bike before.

Pink Class have spent their prize voucher on some art resources for their class.”

By fostering with a not-for-profit service like your local authority, you can ensure that more of the council's financial resources go into supporting Somerset's children. Visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk, phone 0800 587 9900, or come along to one of Fostering in Somerset's information events at Costa Coffees around Somerset. The next sessions coming up are:

Tuesday 15 January, Costa Coffee Bridgwater 7-9pm

Tuesday 12 February, Costa Coffee Yeovil 7-9pm

Tuesday 12 March, Costa Coffee Shepton Mallet 7-9pm

Even if you're not able to foster, you can still help spread the word and support children in care. Display a poster or banner for us, 'like' the Fostering in Somerset Facebook page or follow @fostersomerset on Twitter.