Primary Academy youngsters receieve a letter from Her Majesty

Pupils at Axminster Community Primary Academy have received a thank-you letter from the Queen for helping to commemorate her record-breaking reign.

Year three pupils took part in a competition to create a portrait of the monarch and the winning entry by Eryn Newcombe, aged seven, was sent to Buckingham Palace along with a letter from her classmates.

Last week, the pupils received a letter from Her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting, Richenda Elton, saying: “The Queen wishes me to thank you for the message you have sent on the occasion of Her Majesty becoming the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

“The Queen greatly appreciated your good wishes and was interested to hear about your competition to draw Her Majesty’s portrait.

“The Queen thought it so kind of you to send the splendid winning entry created by Eryn Newcombe and hopes you all enjoyed taking part.

“Her Majesty was very pleased to hear from you and thanks you so much for your thoughtfulness in writing as you did.”

The portrait contest was organised and judged by Axminster mayor Douglas Hull and the school’s art teacher Dee Hogarth.

Councillor Hull said all the entries were really good, but he felt the winning one captured the Queen’s serenity.

“The young lady who did it worked really hard on getting it right, especially the dress and details around her neck,” he said.

Eryn said she was thrilled that the Queen had written to thank her and her classmates.