COLOURFUL posters and programmes designed by Witney primary school pupils will soon plaster the town to advertise this year’s carnival.

The free event will take place in The Leys on Saturday, July 14, with live music, entertainment, stalls and a procession.

Pupils were asked to create Olympic Spirit-themed pieces to promote the event and organisers received more than 250 entries.

The Blake Primary School pupil Maya Hampson and Eleanor Street from The Batt Primary School, both aged 10, were chosen as the winners.

Maya, who won the poster design competition, said: “I feel really happy and proud that they chose my design.

“I was going to do swimming but because I like gymnastics and because I thought it might stand out I decided to do that.

“I am looking forward to the food stalls and the ones that sell sweets most.”

Her mum, Veronica Hampson, said: “She put a lot of effort into it. She is quite artistic and enjoys drawing, but it is the first time she has won anything. I am very proud.

“I will be delighted when the posters are up. I will be telling strangers in the street who designed them.”

Eleanor, who created the programme cover design, said: “I am very excited and proud about seeing my programme around Witney.”

Her mum, Debbie Street, 44, said: “I am very proud of her. It is quite an achievement winning out of the whole of Witney.

“We try and go to the carnival every year but we will go especially this time. The atmosphere is fantastic.”

The two pupils also won £20 book tokens and their schools have received £50 book tokens.

Carnival publicity officer John Milnes said: “We wanted a clear, unique image for the carnival publicity poster and that is exactly what we got – as well as a really colourful programme cover.”

The carnival will feature the Van Buren Variety Show, Mr Alexander’s Travelling Show, Messy Jam Dance School, a tug of war competition, dog show and donkey derby. It begins with a procession through Witney from 11am before being officially opened by ‘Croc Man’ Shaun Foggett at 12.15pm.