West Dunbartonshire's MP has launched his annual school Christmas card competition to raise funds for local good causes.

Martin Docherty-Hughes has written to all local primary schools inviting pupils to take part.

It follows the success of last year’s contest, which was won by Erin Wilson of Lennox Primary and raised £400 for Clydebank and Dumbarton Women’s Aid charities.

The theme for this year’s competition is ‘Friendship’, with schools asked to return their Christmas card designs to Martin’s local constituency office by Thursday November 23.

The best entries will receive prizes and the overall winning design will be printed as the MP for West Dunbartonshire’s official parliamentary Christmas card for 2017.

Local businesses have been invited to sponsor the competition, with all proceeds raised this year going to support the Vale of Leven Autism & Asperger’s Forum and Kilpatrick School.

The SNP MP said: “Last year was the first time we’d run a school Christmas card contest and I was overwhelmed by the great response and the high quality of designs sent in by the very talented school pupils of West Dunbartonshire.

“Several local businesses have already agreed to sponsor this year’s competition and, thanks to their generosity, we hope to top last year’s efforts with all funds raised going to the Vale of Leven Autism & Asperger’s Forum and Kilpatrick School – two fantastic good causes doing important work in our communities.

“This is a good opportunity for local pupils to showcase their artistic talents, with the winning design printed as my official parliamentary Christmas card and sent out to local organisations, businesses and elected representatives.”

Any businesses interested in sponsoring the Christmas Card competition should contact his constituency office at martin.docherty.mp@parliament.uk or 0141 952 2988.