Winner James Powell with MP Tulip Siddiq

CHILDREN from across the borough visited the Houses of Parliament last week for Tulip Siddiq’s Christmas card competition awards ceremony.

Youngsters living in the Hampstead and Highgate MP’s constituency have been busy drawing festive designs for a chance to be on the front of the card she sent out to her friends and colleagues.

Speaking from the Jubilee Room last Thursday evening, Ms Siddiq said: “Did you know that the prime minister has also received a copy of the card as well? So it’s gone to Number 10.

“And did you know we’re also sending one to the palace so the King and the Queen will also have a copy of the card? Everyone in the world will see your card.”

Parents and children went on a tour of Parliament before the winner and runners-up were announced.

Rob Earrey performs a trick which involves tearing up a copy of the CNJ and then revealing it as good as new

James Powell, a Year 5 pupil from New End Primary School in Hampstead, was crowned the winner with his drawing of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament at night. James, who wants to be a footballer when he’s older, said: “I used a mix of pastels and some watercolour paints for the sky. It took me less than an hour to do.”

Rob Earrey, the headteacher of Fitzjohn’s Primary who moonlights as a magician, then treated everyone to a magic show. Ms Siddiq joined him in ripping up last week’s Camden New Journal into lots of pieces. He was able to reveal his was still intact, but Ms Siddiq could not replicate the trick.

Mr Earrey told the New Journal: “Like many children I became interested in magic when I was given a set when I was about eight years old. I’ve pretty much been learning and trying to be a magician since then. “I love magic because it reminds you that there can be awe and wonder in the world and to always think like a child.”

Ms Siddiq added: “It was a such a pleasure to invite 30 local primary school children to Parliament to celebrate their wonderful designs for my Christmas Card. A particular thanks to New End, Kingsgate, St Pauls, and Rosary Catholic primary schools for encouraging so many entries, as well as to Rob Earrey from Fitzjohn’s for his magic show.

“I was so impressed with the quality of all the pictures that were submitted, and I hope this event inspired some local budding artists. Picking runners-up and a winner was a real challenge and I want to thank everyone who entered.”