'TIS the season to deconstruct the season's greetings of the famous . . . and yesterday William Hague's friends and foes searched for the deeper meaning behind the Tory leader's official festive greeting.

But whether it represents a shepherd struggling against adversity to control his flock, or a strong figurehead presiding over a happy bunch, the Yorkshire Dales image is another success for artist Mackenzie Thorpe.

Mr Hague chose the increasingly in-demand artist - from his own constituency of Richmond, North Yorkshire - for one of his famous sheep-related images, for the third year in a row.

Mr Hague and wife Ffion will start sending the cards out this week to offer their best wishes for the festive period.

The work of Mr Thorpe, according to the notes on the back of the card, "expresses an entire range of human emotion, from the special bond of love and friendship to the importance of self-reflection and individual triumphs".

But while the brighter skies of this year's offering, when compared to earlier versions, appear at odds with Mr Hague's showing in recent polls, the Tory leader will no doubt be hoping for a spot of sunshine in the coming election year.