Artists across the island are being invited to design a Christmas card for a competition in aid of Crossroads Care Isle of Man.

The winning design will be printed and sold to raise money for the charity.

Mantons Cards, Port Erin’s national award-winning gift and greeting card store has organised the competition, which is being promoted by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

The winning entry will be chosen in conjunction with greeting card publisher Noel Tatt, who will print 1,000 of the winning design.

The cards will be sold at Mantons Cards with the full sale price being donated to Crossroads Care.

Owner of Mantons, Chris Beards, said: ’The competition has been run in previous years with only the island’s primary school children eligible to enter.

’We decided to run the competition again this year, giving all the island’s local artists the chance to have their work published and seen by many of the leading lights of the greeting card industry.

’Everyone at Mantons is delighted to be able to offer aspiring artists the chance to be creative, together with raising money for such an important island charity.

’We are sure that the Isle of Man has a wealth of artistic talent and maybe we will help find the next star greeting card designer right here in the island.’

Fundraising co-ordinator for Crossroads Care, Megan Faragher said: ’The greeting card design competition is a great opportunity for any budding artists to see their design produced and sold in time for Christmas, and we’re really excited to see what everyone comes up with.

’We would also like to thank Mantons for donating the proceeds from the sale of the greeting cards to Crossroads; all money raised will help us to continue supporting our Island’s carers.’

The closing date for entries is Thursday, September 16. All island residents are welcome to enter. The artwork must be an original design for the sole use of the competition and have a Manx theme.

All entries should be emailed to [email protected] or delivered by hand or post to Mantons Cards.