A first class trip to Number 10 (From Warrington Guardian)

A first class trip to Number 10

RUBBING shoulders with politicians, knocking on the Prime Minister's door and getting a first-class ride on a train.

It was all in a day's work for four Warrington school children who showed their creative side to win a once-in-a-lifetime prize.

The four, from schools across Warrington, were treated to a day trip to London - including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Houses of Parliament - after winning a 'Design a Christmas Card' contest organised by Warrington South MP, Helen Southworth.

And not only did Timothy Galsworthy, aged 10, Abigail Jones, aged 10, Amy Dawson, aged six, and Nicola Simpson, aged nine, enjoy a unique opportunity - but the winning design, drawn by Timothy, forms the front of the MP's official Christmas cards.

The youngsters' fun started at 8am when they got to ride first-class on the new Pendelino train down to London. And after a brief trip on the Underground, it was off to the Houses

of Parliament and a tour with Mrs Southworth.

And as an extra treat - and with it being just before Prime Minister's Question Time - the group, which also included mums, dads and teachers, were given a tour around the offices of speaker Michael Martin MP - as well as being introduced to the man himself.

After a spot of lunch, it was over to Downing Street to personally hand over a copy of the card to Tony Blair's home and Gordon Brown's too!

Timothy, who goes to Brookfields Primary School, won with his design of a robin.

He said: "I chose that because it was red, and that is the colour of the Labour party!"

Abigail, from St Barnabas Primary School, represented her class, which won a prize for the number of entries they put in.

While the designs of Amy, from Cobbs Infant School, and Nicola, who goes to Evelyn Street, both went on the back of the card. As well as the day out, the children were given a goody bag by Mrs Southworth.