ELDERLY people across East Dorset are in for a festive boost this December, as kind-hearted children from a school in West Moors have taken part in a competition to design the best Christmas card to send to seniors this year.

Home Instead Senior Care East Dorset and Blandford was keen to give back to the elderly in the community this Christmas, as the nationwide lockdown has made 2020 a difficult year for many.

They partnered with St Mary’s C of E First School and Nursery to run a Christmas card competition, looking for a winning design to send to their clients this Christmas.

Elderly people across the area who are cared for by Home Instead judged the competition. They selected eight-year-old Eddie Clarke’s nativity scene as the winner.

Eddie was rewarded with a prize for his winning card design, and it will be printed and used as Home Instead’s chosen design to wish their clients a Merry Christmas.

Headteacher Roy Sewell said: “Our pupils were delighted to get busy and design Christmas cards.

“The children have all shown great enthusiasm and empathy for those who have been isolated from loved ones this year.

“We hope that Eddie’s winning design brings happiness to all this Christmas.”

Winner Eddie Clarke added: “It was great fun to get creative in school and design a Christmas card.

“We normally look forward to singing carols to seniors, so it was nice to make them a card instead. I am so happy to have won and thank you Home Instead for the prize.”

Home Instead provide home care services to elderly and vulnerable people throughout the local area, with their services ranging from home help and companionship, to more specialist dementia care.

Community engagement lead at Home Instead, Jayne Perks said: “This year has seen seniors struggle with loneliness due to the pandemic, with many forced to isolate or shield for several months.

“It will be wonderful to bring a little Christmas joy to seniors this festive season, we hope they enjoy their specially designed Christmas cards.”

To find out more about their services please call 01202 912826 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/east-dorset-blandford/.