Pupils at St Bede’s Catholic Junior School, Widnes, have been invited to design the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor’s official Christmas card for 2025 — a card that will be sent to dignitaries across the UK, including the Prime Minister.

Headteacher Faith Housley explained that the invitation follows a previous success six years ago, when one of the school’s pupils won the original competition.

“Six years ago, one of our children won the Metro Mayor’s Christmas Card competition, and since then Steve Rotheram has kept in touch with the school,” said MIss Housley. “I’ve also met with him to discuss education in the northwest, alongside another Catholic headteacher from Knowsley.”

This year, pupils in Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11) are busy designing their own festive cards, inspired by both the joy of Christmas and what makes the Liverpool City Region special.

“We’ve asked the children to think about everything that makes our area unique, as well as the true meaning of Christmas for families,” Miss Housley explained.

The school staff will shortlist entries down to their top 10 designs before Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough select the final winner.

The winning design will be used as the official Metro Mayor’s Christmas card, which is sent to dignitaries across the UK — including PM Keir Starmer.

Mayor Rotheram will visit St Bede’s on Thursday 18 December to announce the winner in person and congratulate the children on their fantastic work.

This special project highlights not only the artistic talent of St Bede’s pupils, but also the strong link between Catholic education, community, and civic life across the Liverpool City Region.

Congratulations to St Bede’s Catholic Junior School students – we can’t wait to see your designs!