ENGLISH Heritage challenged school children from across the Isle of Wight to create a Christmas gift for Queen Victoria.

Fourteen presents, designed and made by local schools, are now on display for the public to view in the Dunbar wing at Osborne House.

Queen Victoria and her children spent many festive seasons at Osborne and celebrated with a Christmas gift table for each member of the family.

Osborne’s Christmas challenge celebrated this tradition by asking Island schools to produce special presents to display on a gift table at Osborne.

English Heritage’s education team told local schools about Victorian Christmas traditions and encouraged the children to visit Osborne and see where the Queen celebrated.

Laura Bosworth, Education Officer for English Heritage, based at Osborne House said: “It’s always a joy to work with local schools throughout our Christmas season.

“This year we wanted to set a challenge inspired by royal Victorian Christmas traditions, which would spark the children’s imagination – and the results have been incredible.

“We’re thrilled with the imaginative, fun and inspired creations we have received from the island’s schools and thank them all for their enthusiasm, hard work and fabulous creativity.”

Osborne House is open to visitors every day from today through to January 2.