An eight-year-old schoolgirl has won a Bradford Council competition to become the cartoon "face" of this year's summer activity guide.

Abbey Lannen, from Thorpe Edge, was selected to be one of the main characters of the 16-page School's Out guide of events. She sent in her details for a professional illustrator to develop a character based on the information.

She is now one of nine cartoon characters that will front the guide.

Abbey wrote in to say she was 51 inches tall, haand had ginger hair and blue eyes. Her hobbies include drawing and making things out of anything she finds.

Bradford Council designer James Hart created the likeness from a photograph and the resulting cartoon was presented to Abbey yesterday.

The Blakehill Primary School pupil was delighted with the results, saying: "It's really good. I'm going to show everyone."

Her mum Ann-Marie Wilson said: "She's chuffed to bits to have won as she really loves art. She's been so excited since getting the letter. I'm sure the picture will have pride of place."

Head of theatres, arts and festivals at the Council, Sheena Wrigley, said: "What really stood out with Abbey's entry was her enthusiasm and wide range of interests.

"I'm sure Abbey will enjoy seeing the cartoon version of her featuring in all the summer guides we are sending out to youngsters across the district."

The other characters are fictional and are called Vijay, Zak, Sarah, Nadia, Tomas, Peter, Maria and James.

Some 75,000 guides will be handed out to primary schools and youth groups from next month. Copies will also be available at sports centres, pools, museums, libraries and tourist information centres.

It is aimed at providing youngsters with information about the interesting, active and educational events and activities available throughout the summer holidays, offering an exciting alternative to television and computer games.

e-mail: jo.winrow @bradford.newsquest.co.uk