Age 16-18
Schoolboy Lewis Ralph and his proud family watched as the Christmas lights were switched on at the Window Wonderland display he had designed.
Lewis, 12, a Year 7 pupil at Marshalls Park Academy, was the winner in the festive competition, organised by New City College Ardleigh Green campus and Collier Row Community Group.
He designed a Christmas scene with a giant snowman, mountain, pine trees and a multi-coloured rainbow to represent the NHS, and the panel of judges were so impressed, they awarded his picture first place.
Creative Arts students from the college, along with Marketing Officer Jamie Webb, brought Lewis’s design to life at Chigwell Window Centre in Collier Row.
Lewis said: “I just thought about what a winter wonderland would look like to me and I drew it from my imagination. It only took me about an hour. I was pretty blown away when I saw it in real life. I think it’s amazing because they’ve even got the small details right, like the little houses on the mountain.”
His mum Carla said: “I’m so proud. I can’t believe that he’s won. It looks incredible. He’s so into his art and is always drawing at home.”
Lewis was presented with a box of prizes, including Christmas sweets, a cheque and a meal for four at a restaurant.
Chigwell Window Centre, part of the Chigwell Group, is donating more than 1,000 advent calendars, containing chocolate treats, to families in the local community. They can be picked up by anyone who wants one for free. Just go along to the shop in Chase Cross Road.
The lights switch-on ceremony was attended by Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, Managing Director of the Chigwell Group, Dean Floyd, and Managing Director of the Chigwell Window Centre, Sunny Attlas, as well as representatives from Havering College.
