Jon visited Charnwood Primary School to present a signed certificate, a framed copy of the Christmas card and a book voucher to the winner of this year’s competition.

The winning picture that is on the front cover of Jon’s Christmas Cards is by Fahima Manjra, aged 9.

Jon said: “Fahima’s drawing is brilliant and brings to life the joy of Christmas. There is a snowman, a Christmas pudding, and the message ‘Jolly Christmas’ all surrounded by snow in the picture. It’s perfect for my Christmas Card.”

The designs by the six runners up, all from a range of schools in Jon’s constituency, are shown on the back of Jon’s card. One of the runners up, Unaysah Salloo, aged 10, is also from Charnwood Primary School. Her card featured a 3D Christmas tree with presents underneath. Unaysah also received a signed certificate from Jon.

Ms Jassat, the Head Teacher at Charnwood Primary School, said: “I am delighted Fahima has been chosen as the overall winner for Jon’s Christmas card competition. Unaysah is a worthy runner up. Both pupils have an artistic flare and this competition has encouraged them to showcase their talent. In fact the whole school took part in creating designs for this competition.”

“This contributed to raising our pupil’s awareness and understanding of British culture and festive traditions. At Charnwood, we take pride in celebrating the similarities and differences of individuals, families, cultures and lifestyles in our school and the wider community.”

Jon commented: “I want to thank all the children that entered my annual competition this year. It was hard to pick a winner, especially as there were so many excellent designs. I wish all the staff and children at the schools in my Constituency a very happy Christmas.”

This year’s Christmas Celebration, which has moved from the Linwood Centre to the Kingfisher Centre, was an evening of fun and entertainment for the local area.

The event was officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Ted Cassidy, and Jon Ashworth.

Speaking ahead of the event Jon said: “I’m a regular visitor to Saffron and I’m looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting people for the first time on Friday. Saffron continues to have a tremendous community spirit and it is good seeing people come together to Christmas.”

The Christmas Celebration, which has been received funding from the Saffron Ward Community Fund and other donations, had fairground rides, face painting, hair braiding and lots of other activities for children. And there was, of course, Father Christmas to give out presents to the local children.

Jon accepted a petition that had been signed by 20 organisations and opposes the recent cuts to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision.

The petition states that the signatories “oppose the cuts to ESOL and the fees and health costs for extending leave to remain for refugees, which will have a big impact on people in Leicester.”

Eight of these 20 organisations were present at the hand over, as well as Councillor Sue Waddington, Assistant Mayor for Jobs and Skills, members of Leicester Civil Rights Movement and students who have benefitted from ESOL classes.

Jon said: “The withdrawal of funding for ESOL provision will adversely affect students locally. Students require these classes in order to access employment, support their children with homework, and integrate properly into society.”

“These funding cuts will leave students without the ability to communicate and gain qualifications which can benefit the whole country, and will have a dire effect on social cohesion.”

In July, the Skills Funding Agency announced that there would be a full withdrawal of funding for ESOL provision for the year 2015 to 2016.

This Saturday, 5 December, is Small Business Saturday where consumers are encouraged to ‘shop small’ and celebrate the contribution of entrepreneurs and small firms this weekend.

In the run up to Saturday Jon visited Cocoa Amore and, under supervision, tried his hand at truffle making, and also had a tasting session from across the Cocoa Belt.

Jon said: “It was a really enjoyable and informative visit to Cocoa Amore at its new premises on Silver Street. It is important that we all do what we can to back local small shops and independent business on Small Business Saturday.”

“Small businesses make a vital contribution to the local economy as well as adding to the local community and boosting diversity on the High Street.”

Cocoa Amore was opened by Peter Gardner in 2013 in the Silver Arcade, but due to its success it soon ran out of space and moved up to the road on Silver Street.

As well as selling a wide range of hand-made chocolates, Cocoa Amore offers chocolate making workshops and corporate days to businesses. A good Christmas gift, which is a little different, are the gift vouchers for chocolate making workshops.

Peter Gardner commented: “Local independent businesses are the backbone of every town. Having had the opportunity last year to showcase Cocoa Amore at Downing Street as part of Small Business Saturday I wholeheartedly support the Shop Local ethos.”