Poppy Lea-Rowell is just 12 years old, but she's already an expert at designing festive flags to festoon Townsville at Christmas time.
The Townsville Grammar School student is one of 20 young artists who will have their artwork fly proudly above the city as part of this year's Festive Flags Competition.
Poppy has had her artwork selected for three years in a row, making her an old hat at flag design.
The grade seven student said it felt "amazing" to have her artwork form part of Townsville's Christmas celebrations.
"I feel recognised, even if people don't know who did the design, I still feel really special because it's my artwork where literally everyone can see it," Poppy said.
"Art is a form of an escape, so I can just chill out and enjoy what I do. I do it as a bit of fun to take my mind off school and stress.
"We always get the family together to look at the flags. I love Christmas. This Christmas, I'll spend time at home with my family and around the people who I really love and appreciate."
Mayor Jenny Hill said Christmas celebrations were about to begin across the city, with festive flags being installed this week.
"It was a hard task, but we've selected 20 spectacular Festive Flag Competition entries to adorn the city this Christmas. There was a wealth of talent in this year's entries, so thank you to all of the budding artists who took part in this year's competition," Cr Hill said.
"The festive season is rolling in and Council is ready to bring as much cheer as possible to the city. Christmas events will be announced shortly, so keep an eye on Council's Christmas Together webpage to stay up to-date."
