SIX-year-old Sasha Body was chosen from 77 entries as the the winner of a Christmas poster competition run by South Molton Business Association (SMBA).

And Sasha's winning design will feature on leaflets, posters and brochures publicising the five-day Christmas Festival in December.

The challenge was entered by the pupils of South Molton Infant School, giving John White, Tryphena Huntingford and Susi Atkinson from SMBA had the unenviable task of trying to choose just one winner.

"We were bowled over by the number of wonderful, creative drawings and choosing just one winner was very difficult," said Tryphena.

Sasha's design illustrated the lantern parade which is a major part of the Friday night 'Winter Wonderland' late-night shopping extravaganza,

Sasha said: "I thought I would draw the school and it would be nice to show my house, and the hotel and shops and people walking with lanterns and the Christmas tree.

"The scribbly bits on the tree are the decorations. My family had a nice time when we went last year and I liked seeing Father Christmas."

Tom Parkin, head teacher at South Molton Infants School, said: "The school has taken an active role in the town's Christmas events for some years now and we are very keen to build on this further.

"We value strong links with the community and so approached SMBA with the suggestion of a competition. We were delighted when 77 of our 135 pupils chose to design posters and will be very proud to see Sasha's fantastic work being used so widely."

Sasha won a £10 voucher for Bob Bon Sweet Shop, but Tryphena added: "As all the children did so well, we have decided that they each deserve something, and so SMBA will be sending the school a big tin of sweets as a thank you for all their efforts.

"We look forward to seeing the pupils in the Lantern Parade in December, along with all the other primary schools who regularly join us to help make this the busiest night in South Molton's calendar."