A 10-year-old schoolgirl is celebrating after her Santa picture beat thousands of designs to feature on Christmas cards sent to MPs and the Prime Minister.

Jeni Cupi, a pupil at Thames View Junior School in Bastable Avenue, Barking, became the winner of the 12th Margaret Hodge Christmas competition after a record number of entries this year.

More than 7,000 students took part in the annual contest organised by the Labour MP for Barking.

She is sending Jeni’s winning card to a host of colleagues including Ed Miliband, Commons speaker John Bercow and Premier David Cameron.

Northbury Infant School in North Street, Barking, won a �300 cash prize for porducing the most entries at any school.

Pupils will receive a collection of goodies including a board game, an annual and sweets.

Mrs Hodge presented the winning designs at Barking Town Hall on the Town Square on Friday.