PUPILS with an artistic flair put pen to paper to help a North-East hospital promote their healthy hearts message.

Youngsters from St George’s Primary School, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, created posters as part of a competition to brighten up the walls of a new cardiology ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The pupils, aged from three to 11, used a range of mixed media to create their vibrant posters, which featured pictures of doctors and nurses, and messages like ‘keep healthy’ and ‘look after your heart.’

ITV Tyne Tees presenter Pam Royle presented the winners of the competition, which were chosen by patients on the ward, with a certificate at an assembly.

The winning posters will be framed and exhibited around the ward and the rest will be included in a portfolio for patients to look through while undergoing treatment.

Janine Gleeson, headteacher of St George’s, said: “The pupils loved it, and they were so happy for the ones who won.

“Their posters will be used to cheer up the patients on the ward and they can go and visit the hospital to see them for themselves if they want to.

“I am so proud of them, but then again I am always proud of them.”