A GROUP that supports some of the area’s youngest carers has received a welcome Christmas present thanks to the artwork of one of its young members.

The East Hampshire Young Carers Group has won £250 through East Hampshire District Council’s (EHDC) Christmas card competition.

Ten-year-old Yasmin, a member of the group, entered the council’s competition to design an e-card which will be sent to thousands of customers and partners across the district.

Yasmin’s colourful picture of a fairy leaving presents under a Christmas tree stole the hearts of the judging panel, which included members of East Hampshire Youth Council, district council chief executive Sandy Hopkins and leader Ferris Cowper. It was chosen ahead of 62 other entries from schools and youth groups across the district.

Her striking, simple and effective design won her group the £250 top prize.

The East Hampshire Young Carers Group is part of the King’s Arms in Petersfield. It provides support to children and young people under the age of 18 who provide regular and ongoing care and emotional support to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled or misuses substances.

Mandy May, who runs the group, was delighted to receive the £250 first prize.

She said: “This will make such a difference. It is a real treat for all these young people at Christmas. We can’t thank EHDC and East Hampshire Youth Council enough. Well done, Yasmin. Her picture really captures the magic of Christmas and I am delighted for her that she won the competition.”

The runner-up design was a cute reindeer drawn by eight-year-old Amelia Rossiter, from Four Marks Primary School.

The prize money was drawn from East Hampshire Youth Council’s Money Pot scheme, which supports projects for young people with £250 grants.

The youth council is currently inviting applications for Money Pot grants.

Anyone interested should e-mail Susan Kirkwood-Taylor at [email protected] by January 8.