A COMPETITION to design new cards for a library service attracted more than 130 entries with impressive submissions from school classes and individuals resulting in difficult decisions for the judging panel.

And a trio from Caldicot swept the board in the eight to 15 category, with 13-year-old Lucy Brady taking top place in the Monmouthshire Libraries competition, and Arwen Skinner, aged 12, and Owen Hill, aged 15, named runners up.

Three entries from each category were shortlisted by the judging panel, which included Coleford children’s author and illustrator Shoo Rayner. 

Four- to seven-year -olds were invited to design a card for junior library members while young people aged between eight and 15 were asked to create one for teenagers.

Following the shortlisting, a public poll via the council’s community hubs’ Facebook account drew over 600 votes and determined the winning designs. 

Gethin Griffiths, aged seven, from Monmouth was a runner-up alongside Abigail Esbester, six, from Magor, with five-year-old Ariana McCarthy from Abergavenny taking top place. 

Prizes were donated at by the Friends of Caldicot, Chepstow and Abergavenny libraries. 

Monmouthshire’s Cabinet member for libraries and community hubs, Cllr Paul Jordan said: “It’s good to see such talented artists in the county and our grateful thanks are due to everyone who submitted a design.  

“We are thrilled with our lovely new cards. I’d also like to thank the supporters of our library service who supplied prizes.”

For further information on the council’s community hubs and libraries see www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/community-hubs-libraries