Professor Lea said: “I wanted all the children to be enthused by the theme and felt that even those children who do not have a pet would be able to draw a friend or relative’s pet that they know or possibly even a pet they would like to have.
“I am delighted with Ted’s colourful design – which features a dog called Fudge, riding through a wintery, moonlit sky in Santa’s sleigh, high above the houses below.”
The winner, Ted, a Year 6 pupil, said: "I was very surprised when I was told that I had won. The first thing I did was go home and tell my family. My friends said well done too!"
Sarah de Longa, a class teacher at Thoresby Primary School, said: "At Thoresby, we love taking part in the Vice-Chancellor’s Christmas card competition and this year was no exception, especially with the bonus of the winner being chosen from our school. We enjoy the fact that each year it is a different theme, allowing the children to be creative."
Natasha Barley, Director at Hull & East Yorkshire Children’s University, said: “The children’s entries for the Vice-Chancellor’s Christmas card competition are always outstanding and this year was no exception. Ted’s card design is certain to bring a smile and festive cheer to every person that is lucky enough to receive it”.
This is the second consecutive year that Thoresby Primary School has won the University of Hull Christmas competition for schools.
Professor Lea said: “I would like to thank all the schools, teachers and pupils who have taken part in this year’s competition, shining a light on what pets have meant to us all during the pandemic – getting us out for exercise and providing company when we have needed to isolate or stay at home.
“I am extremely pleased that once again we had a great response to the competition. It is so uplifting to see so many children inspired by the pets theme and I have enjoyed seeing all the designs which are testimony to the wealth of creativity in our region’s schools.”