A KILMACOLM schoolgirl could prove heaven sent after her festive design made the shortlist to feature on the Royal Mail’s Christmas stamps for 2017.

Eleven-year-old Sophie Geddes, from St Columba’s School, seen off thousands of entries from all across Scotland with her angel-inspired effort to make the final stages of the prestigious competition.

She will now go through to the UK final and will find out later this summer if her work will grace Christmas envelopes across the globe.

Sophie, who is in primary seven, said: “I am really happy to be in the final because I never expected it at all.

“I wanted to do something different and try to get the real message of the Christmas story across.”

Her top design is a striking work of art capturing the spirit of Christmas with an angel, a present and a Christmas tree and star.

Pupils from St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm were encouraged to take part in the competition.

Head of year Allan McKay says he is extremely proud that Sophie made the country’s top ten.

He said: “We are very pleased for Sophie. It is great for her and the school.

“Sophie is a great pupil across all her subjects and deserves this. She is a lovely girl.”

Sophie is one of five youngsters chosen in the 8-11 year old category.

The prize is to be one of only two designs chosen as the Royal’s Mail’s Christmas stamp collection and used on the millions of cards sent during the festive season.

A total of 205,000 entries were received from children across the UK and a panel of judges had the tough job of making a Scottish shortlist of just ten.

It is only the third time since the competition began that children have had the chance to design the Christmas card stamp.