The countdown to the festive season has begun after Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill launched her search for an artist to design her annual Christmas card.

The Mayor said: “I would like my card this year to have a local theme or to reflect the Christian celebration that is Christmas. I know that our town has many creative residents of all ages and I look forward to viewing the entries.”

There is no age limit for the competition and all entries from Watford residents are welcome. The deadline is Friday, November 5.

Money raised from the cards will be donated to Recovery Insight Centre, which cares for people with mental health issues.

All entries should be sized no larger than A4 (either landscape or portrait), clearly marked with the name, address and contact number of the artist and age, if 16 or under.

Entries should be sent to Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, Elected Mayor of Watford (Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition), Watford Borough Council, Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX.