AN MP has appealed for primary school children to get involved in his Christmas card competition.

Hexham MP Guy Opperman is encouraging school children across Tynedale and Ponteland to enter his annual competition, to win the opportunity to design a Christmas card which will become Mr Opperman's constituency card and be presented directly to the Prime Minister.

It is open to all primary school age children in the Hexham constituency, from Years 1 to 6.

READ MORE: Stocksfield Golf Club - Interclub Mixed Championship success leads to finals

The winning design will be turned into his constituency Christmas card, which will be presented directly to the Prime Minister and sent to other members of the Cabinet, local businesses and residents.

The deadline for entries is Friday, November 18. Mr Opperman has written to all headteachers in the constituency, inviting their pupils to take part.

He said: "I am very pleased to once again be launching my Christmas card competition. Past competition winners were excellent, and I am expecting high quality festive entries this year.

"If you have children in Years 1 to 6, please do encourage them to take part – I really do enjoy seeing all the brilliant entries," Mr Opperman said.