A YOUNG artist from Wimborne is to see his work displayed on the front cover of a national magazine this Christmas.

Six-year-old Martin Wellstead was one of more than 1,000 youngsters to enter a picture into this year's Big Issue Kids’ Christmas Cover Competition.

And Martin's image - which shows a smiling snowman holding aloft festive decorations - was chosen as the winner.

When the schoolboy heard bosses at the Big Issue loved his jolly creation, he said: "I looked at last year’s winner and the winner from the year before, before deciding what to draw."

The artwork took Martin around three hours to draw.

"I’m really interested in art and I like to draw my favourite stuff and the things I like, like Power Rangers, Batman and Michael Jackson," he said.

"I’ll be going out to get lots of copies as soon as I can.”

Dad Matthew said: “My wife and I are really proud that Martin’s Christmas snowman has been selected as the winning entry.

“Martin was thrilled to win. He spent a long time after school adding extra details to it whilst listening to Christmas music.

"We hope the readers enjoy the picture and that it helps with the sales.”

Magazine editor Paul McNamee said staff were particularly drawn to Martin's use of the word 'Joy!' in his artwork.

“It lifts your spirits and makes you smile, simply and honestly," he said.

"That feels very timely right now."

Usborne Publishing will provide bundles of kids' books to Martin to celebrate his win.

Peter Usborne of the company said: “We always love seeing The Big Issue Christmas Kids’ Cover, and were thrilled to be asked to support the competition with prizes this year.

"Congratulations to all those involved.”