An artistic schoolgirl who beat hundreds of entrants to be crowned joint winner of a Christmas card competition will see her work of art sent to politicians around the world including Theresa May and Donald Trump.

Sandra Thomas’ painting of the Virgin Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus in a stable impressed judges of the annual competition run by MP Iain Duncan Smith.

The Year 6 pupil at Thorpe Hall Primary School in Hale End Road, Walthamstow was presented with a certificate and a card featuring her work of art at a special assembly.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

MP Iain Duncan Smith with Sandra Thomas, Cllr Sheree Rackham and Sandra's mum.

A painting by class P205 at Whitefield Schools and Centre in MacDonald Road, Walthamstow was also named as joint winner.

This year’s competition focused on the theme of the nativity scene and saw hundreds of pupils across Chingford and Woodford Green take part.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Sandra's winning design.

Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP for Chingford and Woodford Green said: “It was wonderful to see the level of interest in this year’s competition with so many entries having been received.

“The range of innovative ideas around the nativity theme was inspiring and I was impressed at the meticulous effort that went into many of the designs.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Whitefield's winning design.

“There is undoubtedly a huge amount of ingenuity in our primary schools and I would like to congratulate all the teaching staff who encouraged their pupils to express their creativity – I wish I had been that good at art when I was their age.

“A big thank you to all those who entered this year’s competition and well done to Sandra Thomas and class P205.”