The winners of the Meaningful Christmas competition, run by the Telegraph & Argus and the Diocese of Bradford, have been announced.

The Bishop of Bradford the Right Reverend Nick Baines last month started the challenge asking people to describe the meaning of Christmas in a 140-character tweet.

The diocese and the T&A received scores of entries which the Bishop has gone through. Each of the winners will receive a box of Meaningful Christmas Tree Decorations – interactive decorations based on the characters of the Nativity.

The Rt Rev Baines said: “It’s hard to write in such an abbreviated way but it really focuses the mind and I was impressed by many of the entries – from both adults and children.

“Some of them made me laugh, like nine-year-old Steven who said: ‘Christmas is good coz my cousin doesn’t annoy me and I get presents’ and six-year-old Ahmed who said: ‘Christmas is a time to celebrate, see your mates, to get mates, don’t punch or do any other hits.’ “That’s one way of expressing seasonal peace and goodwill!

“The winners, however, all managed to articulate something of the enduring significance of Christmas.

“So congratulations to them and thanks to everyone who entered the competition.”

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