BUDDING young artists are being ask to design a Christmas card that will be sent to thousands of people around the world, including the Queen and US President-elect Joe Biden.

The winning card - which will also be sent to vice president-elect Kamala Harris - will be chosen by Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford and be used as his official Christmas card.

As part of a competition, Mr Drakeford has asked children - who must be aged seven to 11 to enter - to pay tribute to the efforts of critical workers into their designs.

He said: "I’m looking forward to seeing my desk, which is usually piled high with work papers, covered in brightly-coloured designs and festive rainbows.

"We all need a little cheering up after a difficult year and a rainbow never fails to make me smile. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results of the children’s imaginations in my post bag."

Entry guidance:

The closing date for the competition is Wednesday, December 2; The competition is open to school-aged children in years three to six (age seven to 11); The design could include a rainbow and a Christmas star; All entries should be to a maximum size of A4; Entries can be in portrait or landscape orientation; all entries should be flat – no uneven surfaces, no cotton wool, glitter etc; Bright, vibrant colours reproduce well and dark backgrounds should be avoided.

Any child that wishes to include text on the artwork should ask their teacher for help with translation or use Google Translate.

Include the person’s name and contact details with the entry.

Images made on a computer device can be sent by email. Non-digital designs can still be sent by email – but a clear and well-lit photograph of the hard-copy design should be taken and the original should be kept.

Email entries to cabinetcommunications@gov.wales or by post to First Minister’s Christmas Card competition, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.