TWO Wollaston schoolchildren have moved a step closer to getting the stamp of approval from the Queen.

Laurie Holder and Erin Robinson, both aged six from St James’s Primary School have been named as regional finalists in the Royal Mail’s Christmas stamp competition.

Their drawings beat off stiff competition from thousands of children across the West Midlands, who were asked to depict what Christmas means to them.

They will now face another round of judging, with the top two entries going on to represent the region in the national final.

Laurie, who drew a picture of the Three Wise Men and Erin, who chose a snowman for her stamp, have already won £100 in vouchers and £100 for their school, but that will increase if they progress in the competition.

If successful, their efforts will be judged by Prince Charles, who is leading the national judging panel and will select two designs from 24 finalists to feature on this year’s first and second class Christmas stamps, which will be on sale from November 5.

Shirley Williams, the school’s arts coordinator and year one teacher, said: “As a school we are really proud to have two entrants through to the regional final. The children were really surprised but pleased and really excited, we are all waiting with bated breath to see what happens next.”

She added that the money the school received from the competition would be spent on arts materials.

All competition can be viewed online at www.royalmailstampcompetition.com.

As with all special stamps issued by Royal Mail, both winning designs will have to be approved by the Queen.