A Millennium mug designed by a nine-year-old schoolgirl is selling like hot cakes, writes Roseena Parveen.

Villagers at Long Wittenham, near Didcot, are queuing to put in their orders for a mug that marks their place at the end of the 20th century.

The memento has been designed by Charlotte Humphreys of Saxons Heath. It features a bird's-eye view of Long Wittenham's landmarks, including the village church, the school, two war memorials, a thatched cottage and the village pub, The Vine.

Pendon Museum is marked with a drawing of a train in the design, which took Charlotte nearly two days to complete. Her mum Sam said: "She worked really hard. She spent hours making her initial sketches. I'm very proud of her. Her grandad is an artist and we have other artists in the family.

"We have sent mugs to relatives in New Zealand and Scotland and they are very impressed."

Charlotte's design won a village competition and beat 15 entries from adults and children. She said: "I think it's great. I'm very excited.

"I worked hard, but I never thought I would win. I haven't used my mug yet. We'll probably leave it on the mantelpiece for show."

The village Millennium committee initially ordered 200 mugs from a pottery firm in Scotland, but has had to order a further 100 to meet demand. They are being sold for £4.50. About 100 children at Long Wittenham Primary School have received a Millennium mug, and 60 pre-school children will be presented with one at a Christmas party in the village hall on Thursday.

Mrs Humphreys, a member of the Millennium committee, said: "It's a celebration of our village for the Millennium. Now that people have seen the product they are placing many orders."

Pat Lay, vice-chairman of the committee, said: "All profit from the mugs will go towards a plan to build a village clock. We have a sundial at the moment and need £16,000 for a new clock."

Story date: Wednesday 15 December

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