AN artistic youngster has won a competition to design a banner that encourages more children to walk to school.

Daisy Middlemas, who attends Hartside Primary School in Crook, triumphed over youngsters from across the county in the contest, which was organised as part of the Living Streets’ Walk once a Week (WoW) scheme.

The seven-year-old was rewarded by having her winning design made into an actual banner and displayed on the school gates.

At the unveiling ceremony last week, Daisy said: "I think walking to school is healthy because it gives you exercise. It's just really cool.

"I love walking to school and it's great to earn badges every month."

Durham County Council has been promoting the WoW scheme at a number of schools in the county, including Hartside, where youngsters are rewarded with collectable badges.

Crook Councillor Andrea Patterson said: "We know one in five cars on the road at peak hours is on the school run.

“Encouraging parents to walk to school with their children, not only relieves traffic congestion, but lowers pollution levels and is kinder to the environment.

“Most importantly the walk to school is an easy way to build some physical activity into a child’s day.”

Runners up in the competition were eleven-year-old Gemma Rogers, from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Primary School in Esh Winning and eight-year-old Satyavathi Saladi from West Cornforth Primary School.