Young Frome artist in national final of the Royal Mail’s stamp design competition

A FROME schoolboy from Oakfield Academy, has been named as one of the national finalists in Royal Mail’s 2017 Christmas Stamp Design Competition.

Ted Lewis-Clark’s design will take its place as one of the 24 that Prince Charles will choose to become either a 1st Class or 2nd Class Christmas stamp for 2017.

The entry by Ted, aged, 10, was chosen as one of the best from over 200,000 received from across the country and 12,824 in the South West region.

The panel of judges for the South West region who chose the final 24 included, Phil Gibby from the Arts Council, artist, Mary Rouncefield, Ken McCormick from the Bristol Post and Geoff Braden from Royal Mail.

Artist, Mary Rouncefield, said Ted’s design was, ‘A clear winner..!’

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will now choose the final two designs that will feature on this year’s 1st and 2nd Class Christmas stamps.

Only three times before in Royal Mail’s history – 1966, 1981 and 2013 – have the official Christmas stamps been designed by children.

As with all Special Stamps issued by Royal Mail, both winning designs will be approved by The Queen. Other Christmas stamps for different postal rates, and a religious-themed issue, will also be available from 7 November 2017.

By progressing to the final 24, Ted has won £500 in vouchers and £500 for his school.

The two winning designs will receive prizes of £1,000 for the school and £1,000 in vouchers for the child.*

The stamps will be on sale from 7 November.

Full details can be found at www.royalmail.com/stampcompetition