THIS year, for the first time, primary schools in West Devon were invited by West Devon Borough Council to design an e-card for Christmas.

Joint winners were Northlew and Ashbury Primary School, who chose to send in a joint entry, and Jack Steell, aged eight, from Whitchurch Primary School.    

They have each received a seasonal 'goodie' bag prize, and both entries will be posted on the Recycle Devon website at http://www.recycledevon.org.uk">www.recycledevon.org.uk

Cllr Robert Sampson, chair of the council's environment and community committee, said: ' I was very impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the schools and it was really good to hear the different ways they have been encouraging the children to cut down on the amount of cards they send.  

'E-mailing greetings are becoming more and more popular, with many companies and organisations as well as individuals committing to reducing their carbon footprint.'

An e-card can be sent via email anywhere in the world, reducing waste and saving those all important trees.