Salford mayor Ian Stewart makes 92 per cent of council decisions – but he is leaving a festive one to M.E.N. readers.

He is passing the buck on the tough job of choosing one out of four shortlisted designs by school children for his official Christmas card.

Dozens of children from all over the city submitted their ideas – from Santa to snowmen.

This year the Mayor has chosen four top drawings and is offering the public the chance to choose the winning one.

Mr Stewart said: “My annual Christmas card competition is one of the highlights of my year and as it’s the fifth year this has run, I thought I’d do something different this year.

“It is always difficult choosing a winner so I’ve picked my four top favourites and I’m inviting the people of Salford to say which one I should use as my card. I’m delighted we’ve had such a great response and I’m only sorry I can’t use every single one as they are all fantastic.”

The top designs are:

Take a look at the cards, and have your say in the vote below…

Merry Christmas by Cali Tee Crovato, a year five pupil at Clarendon Primary School.

Santa by four-year-old Afnan Alli, also a pupil at Clarendon Primary School.

Santa delivers presents by nine-year-old Emy Fattas from St Charles RC Primary School, Swinton.

Reindeer by Rico Ingham, aged 10, from Bridgewater Primary School.

Have your say here…

Voting closes at noon on Wednesday, November 25.

The winning Christmas card will be sent to hundreds of individuals and organisations, including leading politicians and celebrities and a digital version will be put on Salford council’s website.

All the shortlisted designs will be displayed at The Lowry and the youngsters will receive a framed copy of their card. The competition was open to all youngsters who attend a primary school in the city.