TWO talented West Dunbartonshire youngsters have been recognised for their creativity as they scooped prizes in an art competition.

Hannah McMurray, a primary five/six pupil from Balloch Primary School and Jessica McCarthy, a primary seven pupil from Gartocharn Primary School, both came runner-up in Pam Gosal MSP’s 2023 Christmas card competition.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Hannah and Pam Gosal MSPHannah and Pam Gosal MSP (Image: Pam Gosal MSP)Schools across East and West Dunbartonshire were invited to enter the annual competition ahead of the festive season.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Jessica and Pam Gosal MSPJessica and Pam Gosal MSP (Image: Pam Gosal MSP)Hannah and Jessica were presented with a prize and a signed letter of congratulations at their schools on Wednesday, December 6.

Hannah’s parents joined her for the presentation and were thrilled with their daughter’s achievement.

Ms Gosal praised the youngsters for their “fantastic entries”.

She said: “It was a pleasure to visit both Hannah and Jessica in their respective schools to present them with their well-deserved prizes and a special letter of congratulations.

“I received hundreds of entries for my Christmas Card Competition this year and was impressed with the number of fantastic entries from across my region.

“But Hannah and Jessica’s creativity really stood out for me, and I am delighted to feature their designs on the back of my Christmas card.

“It was also great to see such political enthusiasm from the pupils at both schools, who were only too keen to ask me about the world of Scottish politics and my role as a West Scotland MSP.

“I would like to say a huge well done to the teachers, who have done a fantastic job, instilling these young minds with out-of-the-box thinking and a passion for learning.

“I would also like to congratulate both Hannah and Jessica on their success, and wish a happy Christmas and new year to everyone at Balloch Primary and Gartocharn Primary.”

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: The final designThe final design (Image: Pam Gosal MSP)The winner of this year’s competition was Layla, a primary seven pupil from Bearsden.

The card, which will feature the winning design on the front and the runner-up designs on the back, will be sent to various local businesses and organisations, as well as several residents.

A copy will also be sent to King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and numerous other senior politicians.