Primary pupils from schools all over the State took time out from their Hallowe'en break last year to enter in a Christmas card design competition, which raised £4,000 for sick children in Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin.

The young students - who ranged in ages between six and ten years - submitted their entries to the Education & living/Boots The Chemists No Ordinary Christmas Card Competition. It was judged in November. Robert Saunders of the Print Shop in Dublin printed the cards free of charge and they went on sale in all boots shops in time for Christmas.

Last week, the four students who designed the winning cards were invited to Dublin for the presentation of their prizes at a ceremony in Temple street Hospital. The winners came form different provinces, different age groups, but their imaginations and talents meant that children less fortunate than they now are benefiting from their care and interest.

The winners, who presented Temple Street Hospital with the £4,0000 cheque are; Aine O'Neill (10) from Mountmellick, Co Laois; Niamh Carey 98) from Ennis; Paul Bonar (210) from Burtonport, co Donegal and Conor Shorten (9) from Clanmorris Avenue, North Circular Road, Limerick,