CREATIVE school children have been helping their neighbourhood policeman with an extra special mission this Christmas.

Youngsters at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary School were challenged to design a Christmas card for PC Keith Todd to send to friends, colleagues and dignitaries from across the country.

The contest sawyoungsters depict PC Todd in a festive setting, with the five winning designs included on the card.

As well as meeting with PC Todd to discuss the mission earlier this month, a cardboard cut-out of the officer was set up in the school hall to inspire the children.

Today (Wednesday, December 18), he returned to the school to announce the winners – Abigail Bell, six, Jasmine Platts, seven, Bethany Cansfield, nine, Dylan Paterson, ten, and overall champion Sophie Richmond, ten.

Each child received prizes provided by Sainsbury’s in Sedgefield.

PC Todd said: “It was a tough decision as the standard of entries was very high. Sophie’s design particularly impressed me because it was colourful, well-drawn and very festive.”

PC Todd launched the Bobby’s Beat Christmas Card Competition when he began working in Sedgefield 15 years ago, alternating between the three primary schools in his beat each year.

Paul Taylor, deputy head at Sedgefield Hardwick, said: “We are very lucky that the children are given opportunities within the community that inspire them to use skills they have learnt in school.”