DIDN'T they do well! Scores of children put pen to paper to take part in our Design a Christmas Card Competition.

From robins and reindeer to Santas and snowmen, youngsters have been doing their best to win a host of top goodies in time for the festive season.

A team of Daily Echo judges had a tough decision on their hands when it came to selecting the winning entries - so much so that readers were invited to help us choose the best designs.

The competition was a joint initiative with Marks & Spencer and Cyclexperience, offering children aged 12 and under from all over the county the chance to put their artistic talents to the test by producing designs that reflect the true spirit of Christmas.

Hundreds of voters across Hampshire have been calling, texting and writing to us to nominate entries they think deserve to snap up the prizes.

Now we'd like to congratulate all our winners from the following age categories: under five, five to eight and nine to 12. Those in first place will have the chance to sport new off-road bikes, £15 Marks & Spencer hampers and a selection of in-store goodies, while those in second and third places will receive Toy Store vouchers and Marks & Spencer products.

All winners will be notified by post with details of how to claim prizes.

THE WINNERS

UNDER FIVES:

First: Owen Staddon, two, of Chiltern Green, Millbrook.

Second: Evie Johanson, three, of Gainsborough Close, Sholing.

Third: Harkrishan Bhatti, four, of Paynes Road, Freemantle.

FIVE TO EIGHT:

First: Lianne Cavill, seven, of Honeysuckle Road, Swaythling.

Second: Alexa Miller, eight, of Gainsborough Close, Chandler's Ford.

Third: Sophie Bowers, five, of Acacia Road, Southampton.

NINE TO TWELVE:

First: Ashley Buxley, 12, of Newton Road, Woolston.

Second: John Murdoch, ten, of Oak Road, Bursledon.

Third : Matthew Murdoch, ten, of Oak Road, Bursledon.