(Above) A festive illustration by Michael Foreman, whose work is featured in the Museum's new exhibition War Boy
The National Army Museum has launched a scheme to bring a little Christmas cheer to troops serving in Afghanistan.
Younger visitors to the Museum, in Chelsea, are being asked to submit festive designs for a Christmas card based on the theme of "A Soldier's Christmas", which will be sent to British troops serving on the front line. As well as creating an inspirational design, children are being asked to write a message inside the cards.
The Museum has teamed up with forces charity Support our Soldiers, who will be sending the cards with their annual care packages to individual soldiers in Afghanistan.
Two of the best designs will be chosen by leading children's illustrator Michael Foreman, whose work is featured in the Museum's new family exhibition War Boy, and printed up as Army Museum Christmas cards and sold in the Museum shop.
"It's an opportunity for our visitors to send something out to the guys who are out there," said the Museum’s Julian Farrance.
"We've already had a great response with people coming in and putting in their designs, it's been a very good response mainly from younger children – hopefully it will only get better."
The cards will boost soldiers in Afghanistan
Visitors to the Museum can simply pick up a blank card, forge a design on the front and write a message inside. "Even if your card doesn't win the competition, it will still be sent to out to a soldier to Afghanistan with your Christmas message in it," added Julian.
The entries for the competition are split into two age categories for ages 3-7 and 8-12. The winners will be invited to the Museum to meet Michael Foreman, and will also receive a framed copy of their completed artwork.
Application details and cards can be collected from the Museum's front desk along with a full set of terms and conditions. Further details can be also be found on the Museum website.
The competition is run with the assistance of Customworks card supplier, who have donated the cards for the competition.
War Boy: The Michael Foreman Exhibition, opens October 24 2009. For details of the Museum's half-term activities follow the details below.
