YOUNGSTERS have been rewarded for their Magna Carta-inspired creation which won an arts festival competition.

Children at Cockton Hill Junior School, in Bishop Auckland, won first prize in a schools exhibition during Febfest, a three week arts festival for the town.

Youngsters worked with a ceramic artist to produce a series of clay tablets inspired by the gathering of barons at the signing of the Magna Carta 800 years ago.

The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, judged the contest.

Presenting the prize, a piece of woodwork, she said: “The festival is really growing and the standard of work and range of materials used was incredible so it was a difficult task to pick a winner.

“Cockton Hill Junior’s stood out because it really captured the theme, the detail on the tablets was wonderful.

“I really liked how many children of different ages worked on it, you could see their confidence and skills grow through the art.”

Acting headteacher Emily Stevens said: “It is really important for the school to be involved in community events and the wider Bishop Auckland area.

“It was great to get involved in the arts festival and work with a ceramic artist, to then win is great recognition of the artwork that the school can produce.”

Festival director Jane Crawford, of Daisy Arts, said the involvement of schools and young people was a wonderful aspect of the festival which included exhibitions, performances, lectures and workshops.