A MANNINGHAM school pupil has beat thousands of other young people to win a competition to design a magazine cover to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Eight-year-old Ayesha Akhtar, from Dixons Manningham Academy, designed the cover of the latest issue of the Radio Times, out today, that celebrate’s Her Majesty’s momentous day.

The competition asked children across the country to design a 90th birthday card for the Queen for the chance to feature on the front cover of the special edition of the TV magazine.

Radio Times received over 11,000 entries judged across three age groups – eight years old and under, 9-12, and 13-18 years - by writer and illustrator Judith Kerr, Blue Peter presenter Lindsey Russell, BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz, Radio Times Editor Ben Preston and Radio Times Art Director Shem Law.

Ayesha’s award-winning entry, a simple but eye-catching purple and gold crown design, was a unanimous choice for the judges.

Judith Kerr said: “Ayesha’s drawing will work brilliantly on the cover. I think the Queen would approve.”

Blue Peter’s Lindsey Russell added: “I wanted to find a cover that felt like a celebration – Ayesha’s design really does that.”

Staff at the magazine visited the school to present Ayesha with a copy of the cover, and the artistic student said: “I feel elated and I’m so happy that the Queen will get to see my way of drawing. I came up with my design because the Queen wears her crown at special occasions - like birthdays.

“I did it in pencil first and then went over it in paint and glitter. If I met the Queen, I’d tell her how kind she is and that she’s the best Queen in the world.”

All pupils in the school had been invited to take part, and Principal Terri Leighton said: “We’re pleased as punch that Ayesha won. It is a very child friendly image.”

Ben Preston, Radio Times Editor, said: “Does the Queen still hold a place in the affections of the young? There is no more eloquent answer to this question than a teetering tower of cardboard boxes that grew steadily in a corner of the Radio Times office over the past month. Here is proof of an enduring, shared affection among a new generation for the Queen. Many congratulations - and thanks - to everyone who took part.”

Nadia Charawala, ,12, from Worcester Park, won the 9-12 year category, with a patriotic tea cup design, whilst Emily Gorton, 13, of Epsom, won the 13-18 year old category, with a vivid red, white and blue bunting design.