The business, which runs online print service SchoolCardShop that converts school children’s artwork into Christmas cards, has partially taken down its website, posting on it a message to customers that states: “Please note that Dynamic Colour is no longer trading. Further details will be available here in due course.”

Furious customers have taken to social media to vent their anger and disappointment after their children had already sent designs and payments to the business and were awaiting their cards for Christmas.

One customer posted an email sent to customers by SchoolCardShop parent firm, Dynamic Colour, which stated that the closure of the business had “come as a shock to all of us” and that they had been trying to reach a solution to their problems "since Monday”.

It goes on to say: “Unfortunately due to the situation we find ourselves in we are unable to continue in any form.”

Companies House lists the company secretary and director as Carol and Ian Pritchard and the production and IT managers as James and Joseph Pritchard, respectively. 

Printers including Midlothian-based Southfield Printers and Kent-based Marstan Press have picked up on the situation, which has also received national press attention today, and offered to help disappointed customers to get new designs  printed for them in time for Christmas.

Responding to a thread on Facebook, Southfields' Bob North offered to reproduce the childrens' work at a reduced price, while Marstan Press' Christmas cards for schools site states: "..we have had a quick meeting this morning at MCCFS HQ to see if we would be able to help the schools and PTAs effected [sic]. Given the timing of this development, we would be up against it! However we are always up for a challenge."