Megan's angel is a winner

Zoe the Angel was designed by six-year-old Megan Stapleton from Covingham as part of a BBC Radio Swindon competition for Swindon Cares.

Youngsters were asked to design a Christmas card for Wiltshire's High Sheriff as part of Swindon Cares week. Megan's design was one of five put on to the radio station's website to be chosen by listeners and received 65 per cent of the vote.

Broadcaster Sandy Martin, one of the competition organisers, said: "I thought the design was terrific, all the entries are from a child's perspective of Christmas but Megan's really captured the spirit of the competition.

"The card has brought benefits in several ways. Swindon Cares benefits from money raised by the card and the High Sheriff has got his Christmas card."

Thirty competition entrants had their work displayed in the Brunel Centre but Sandy finally announced the winner last Saturday. It is also hoped that by printing several thousand cards for general sale, that Zoe the Angel will be gracing mantelpieces across the town during the festive season.

Mr Arkell said: "It's a fantastic card and I will be pleased to send it out at Christmas and of course it's helping to raise money for charity."

He added that Megan's prize, a Swindon Cares t-shirt was too big for her, but she was going to use it as a night shirt.

Last week's Swindon Cares extravaganza set a new standard for fundraising in the town.

Organisers are confident that they have exceeded the £14,000 raised last year.

Swindon Cares is an umbrella group of local businesses and organisations, including the Evening Advertiser, Nationwide, Zurich, BBC Radio Swin-don, Swindon Council, the Rotary Club of Swindon, Arkell's brewery, GWR FM, and Swindon Chamber.

This year it is raising money for the Swindon Cancer Appeal, the NSPCC, Age Concern in Swindon and the GWR FM Community Trust.

The proceeds from Swindon Cares week will be distributed between the four charities later in the year.

Anthony Osborne