TOTS at Hatherleigh Children's Centre have created a winter wonderland scene this year for Devon County Council's official Christmas card.

The council commissioned community artist Sophy Miles and children's illustrator, artist and teacher Louise Prentice to work with children at Hatherleigh Children's Centre to produce an image for the council's Christmas card.

Sophy and Louise worked with the children and their parents to create a range of beautiful pieces, using recycled materials, which were later brought together to form a Christmas theatre with individual moving parts.

Louise said she was excited to see the children's reaction to the mini theatre: 'We decided to make a mini toy theatre with a Winter Wonderland theme.

'Getting the whole piece to fit together was tricky, but we managed to fashion a base for the children's wonderful creations.

'I hope they get as much enjoyment out of it as we did making it.'

The children were presented with the mini theatre by the two artists on Tuesday, December 1, along with printed copies of the Christmas card.  

County Cllr James McInnes, who attended the presentation, said: 'What a wonderful Christmas card — it shows such imagination.

'Receiving this card which has caused so much fun in its creation will bring a smile to everyone's face.'

Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for children's health and well-being, Cllr Andrea Davis said:  'This is an absolutely stunning card that will grace any mantlepiece this Christmas — and I am so pleased that the children and their parents had such fun making it.

'I'm really grateful to Louise and Sophy for their expertise and hard work in making this happen, and I'm absolutely delighted that Hatherleigh Children's Centre has been given the chance to show off their artistic talents.  

'My thanks to all the staff at this fantastic centre.'

Hatherleigh Children's Centre manager, Jenny McKenzie, said: 'Everyone here really enjoyed being involved with the Christmas card project, so they will be delighted to receive a card.'

The children's centre were also presented with two children's bicycles, donated by the Supply Zone for the Christmas card project.  

The children's centre was chosen to take part in the project because it works with a large number of families from the local area, offering a stimulating and welcoming environment and provides a variety of play and learning activities, including Dads' sessions and holiday activities for the whole family.