TWO NEW colourful and creative designs will become Hampshire Library cards for children following a popular competition.

The winning designs were picked by a judging panel comprised of Councillor Andrew Gibson, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside; Portsmouth-based illustrator and author Neal Layton; and Basingstoke artist Sian Storey, along with Libraries Strategic Manager Emma Noyce and Library Team manager Jo Satherley.

The panel reviewed a shortlist of nearly 800 entries from across the county, submitted by children who had completed this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Two winning designs were chosen from two different age groups - four to seven years old, and eight to eleven.

Winners were Milo Grant-Turton, 8, from East Tisted, who designed a multi-coloured design with swirls and animals, with the slogan ‘Get more out of libraries,’ and Benedict Simpson, 7, from Lymington, who cam,e up with a friendly monster design, with the slogan ‘Even monsters love reading.’

Councillor Gibson said: “It’s been great to be a part of the judging panel and to review the amazing range of creative and colourful designs. Well done to all who entered the competition. The vibrant and fun designs will go on tour around libraries for everyone to see ahead of Benedict and Milo’s cards going into production next year. It’s been a delight working with Neal and Sian who kindly gave up their time to be involved, and had that eye for detail and creativity.”

As well as seeing their designs produced, Benedict also won a Kindle Fire Kids and a copy of ‘Where’s Will’. Milo won a 3Doodler and a copy of ‘Where’s Will’.

Hampshire Libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge, the Big Friendly Read, saw over 25,000 four to eleven year olds take part, by reading and chatting about books with volunteers during the summer holidays.

Hampshire libraries have a range of volunteering roles so if you have a few hours to spare each week, why not apply to volunteer with your local library.