SCHOOLGIRL Alix Kay will be having a superfast Christmas after winning the top prize in the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband Christmas card competition.

Alix, a primary-seven pupil from Barshare Primary School, was chosen from hundreds of entries from primary schools across East Ayrshire.

Featuring a delighted Santa on his sleigh, powered by his two new superfast reindeers 'Fibre’ and 'Broadband’, the design will be used as the official e-Christmas card for the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband partnership.

For her winning entry, 11-year-old Alix receives a new electronic tablet and £50 worth of book tokens for her school. Three runners-up in the competition also receive a £10 book token.

Alix was presented with her prize at an event in Linlithgow on Tuesday December 9 by Dr Alasdair Allan, the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages.

Presenting the prize Dr Allan said: “Alix’s entry is fun and innovative. The difference fibre broadband will make to areas like Cumnock and the surrounding area is really important. The arrival of fibre broadband will help Alix and her fellow peers benefit both when it comes to their education and for their hobbies.” The theme of the competition was 'What A Digital Christmas Could Look Like’, and Programme Director for Digital Scotland Sara Budge and Programme Director for BT Liz Mallinson had a difficult time judging the entries. Amongst some unique and brilliant entries, it was Alix’s design which stood out for both judges.

Alix said: “I’m really excited to have won this competition, especially for such an interesting project. I absolutely love my new Tablet. It’s something I’ve always wanted and I know that it will help me with my school work in the New Year.” Lorraine Facchini, Head teacher at Barshare Primary, said: “I’m delighted that one of our pupils has won such an exciting competition. All the cards made at Barshare Primary were fantastic and each pupil worked extremely hard on the task. It makes it all the more exciting knowing that the school has contributed to something which will benefit thousands of people across Scotland. Hopefully the new tablet won’t distract Alix from her school work, even if she’s now able to get the answer before her teacher.” Councillor Stephanie Primrose, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson for Promoting Lifelong Learning said: “Alix’s enthusiasm for art and learning is infectious and typifies why the Superfast Broadband is so important to our communities. With improved access we can all take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the internet and its capability for furthering our knowledge, skills and communications no matter our age or level of education. We’re very happy that our younger generation in East Ayrshire will now have the benefit of fibre broadband as they progress through their academic careers.”