A SCHOOL pupil was given an early Christmas present today (Monday, December 8) when he was awarded with a brand new mountain bike for designing Durham Police’s Christmas card.

Seven-year-old Kian Fairest’s drawing, showing a police van being pulled by Rudolph, won first prize in the competition, which received hundreds of applications.

The youngster decided to enter the competition after his mother read about it on the internet in October.

Pupils of Howden-Le-Wear Primary School were called into a special assembly this afternoon, when it was revealed Kian had won first prize.

Deputy Chief Constable Michael Banks spoke to the children before presenting the youngster with the new bike.

“It’s really good to be here with you all this afternoon, today is very special day for us. Every year we ask all the children in County Durham if they would like to draw us a Christmas card, and I think Kian’s design is absolutely fantastic, and so does the Chief Constable.” He said.

“The Christmas cards are all ready and they look brilliant.”

Chris Baines, headteacher at Howden-Le-Wear Primary School added: “I’m absolutely delighted that Kian has won first prize in this competition which had hundreds of entries, he has done extremely well.”