A LUCKY North-East schoolboy who designed a cupcake in honour of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee has seen his design brought to life.

Five-year-old Ethan Birch drew a special corgi cupcake to celebrate the Jubilee when his school took part in the Platinum Jubilee Cupcake Competition, organised by Butterwick Hospice Care.

Ethan, who attends Durham Lane Primary School, in Eaglescliffe, had his design selected from among more than 1000 entries to be made into a real batch of cupcakes by Wynyard Cake Company.

He was very surprised when hospice fundraiser Ashleigh Wood and baker Shannon Hart appeared at his school assembly – along with Butterwick mascot Beatrice the Bee – to present him with a certificate, a box of his own cakes and a family pass for ice-skating at Billingham Forum.

The Northern Echo:

Head teacher, Helen Gregory, said: “Butterwick Hospice Care is hugely important for me personally, but I also think it's extremely important that our children are aware of charities that meet a need in our local area, and the importance of the hospice for both children and adults. We’re very proud to support them.”

As well as sending in cupcake designs from the children, eight schools from the local area took part in the competition, raising £1,548.98 for Butterwick Hospice Care.

Ashleigh Wood, Fundraiser for Butterwick Hospice Care, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the engagement from the primary schools in our local area with eight schools taking part, including Barnard Castle Prep School, Durham Lane Primary School, Harrow Gate Primary School, Hartburn Primary School, Roseberry Junior School, St Mark’s Church of England Primary School, Tilery Primary School, and Village Primary School.

“We were amazed by the fantastic design talent shown by all the children who entered the competition. They made it very difficult for us to pick just three winners! The funds that were raised during the campaign will make such a difference to those in our community who need us most.”