A CHARITY paraglider who was named as having the overall Winning Smile has been presented with her prize.

Kathleen Gibson, of Bishop Auckland, received a digital camera for her photograph of her enjoying the view, whilst taking part in the daring challenge in Turkey.

The Northern Echo: WINNER: Kathleen Gibson

SMILE: Kathleen Gibson's Winning Smile snap

Hosted by The Northern Echo in conjunction with Darlington Building Society, the competition welcomed hundreds of photographs showcasing anything that made people smile.

When Darlington Building Society rebranded at the start of its landmark 160th anniversary year in 2016, a smile was incorporated into its new logo, so a photo competition seemed the perfect way to join forces with The Northern Echo and capture the theme of smiling.

The competition ran for six months and hundreds of pounds worth of prizes were won by people throughout the region who had that 'Winning Smile'.

Mrs Gibson was raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance with the paraglide and despite having a fear of heights managed to smile for the camera.

“I saw the competition online and I thought why not,” said the 53-year-old. “I only submitted the picture as a joke. I never expected to win.

“I take loads of photos on my phone so I am looking forward to using my new camera.”

Caroline Darnbroook, general manager (marketing) at the building society, said: "Our 160th anniversary is a real reason to celebrate, and what do you do when you celebrate - you smile.

"The aim was to create a feel-good factor in the region. We wanted to encourage people to have fun and be involved in a creative way."

Mrs Gibson was presented with her prize at the Bishop Auckland branch of Darlington Building Society yesterday.