Most of us are thinking about barbeques not Christmas, but one MP is already getting in to the festive mood.

Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake is asking primary school children to tell him what the Christmas Season means to them and be in for a chance of seeing their winning designs printed on a stamp.

Your Local Guardian:

He said: “I was a bit surprised when, in the middle of June, I received a letter from the Royal Mail informing me of their Christmas Children’s Stamp Art Competition. I get a lot of letters sent to me throughout the year, but not many about Christmas around this time.

“I know that there are many talented children in our area and this is a perfect opportunity for this to be demonstrated. It is the first such competition in over thirty years, and I hope primary school and home-schooled children across the borough will get involved.”

Two lucky winners will see their designs on one of the 1st class and one of the 2nd class stamps. The winners and their schools will have their stamps approved by Her Majesty the Queen and their design used on millions of Christmas cards during the festive season.

Entries must be received by July 19. For more information visit the Royal Mail website.