BAYDEN WINS COWBOYS' CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION

Toyota Cowboys forward Ashton Sims doubled as Santa Claus today when he handed out the prizes for the NRL club's annual Christmas Card competition.

Hundreds of primary school children from across Queensland showed off their artistic skills by designing their version of the front cover of the Cowboys' 2011 Christmas card.

The entries were judged by Sims, Cowboys head coach Neil Henry and Stockland Townsville marketing manager Danelle Parker who decided that eight-year-old Bayden Buchanan's artwork was the best of the massive group.

Sims visited Willows State School in Townsville today to present the prizes to an excited Bayden and his school.

The young artist received a 2012 Toyota Cowboys jersey with his name and favourite player's number on the back.

Bayden chose number seven - Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston's number.

The school's prizes included a $400 Stockland gift card plus a limited edition