TWO boys put their imagination and creativity into action to win a day trip for their whole class.

Building consortium Maple Oak Homes ran an art competition at a school near its housing development The Acorns at DurhamGate, Spennymoor.

Inspired by the development's name and motto 'Happy Homes from Little Acorns Grow' North Park Primary School and Nursery pupils were invited to draw trees representing their dream futures.

More than 150 youngsters took part and eight-year-olds Alfie Spragg and Darryl Fothergill were named joint winners.

They won a trip for their year four class to Thorp Perrow Arboretum in Bedale, North Yorkshire.

Leigh Cresswell, managing director of Spennymoor-based Partner Construction which is part of the Maple Oak Homes group, said: “Picking one winner was a real challenge because there were so many fantastic entries, so in the end we chose two.

“We thought the way Darryl incorporated his dream home into the tree design was really creative, particularly the swimming pool on a tree branch.

“And we loved the ambition in Alfie’s drawing, which included life goals like going to university, climbing a mountain and never giving up.”

In addition to the school trip, a selection of the children’s artwork will be displayed around The Acorns’ show homes and the school also received an oak tree for its grounds.

Grace Mackay, marketing executive at Partner Construction, said: “With lots of young couples and families moving into our homes, it’s important to us to forge strong links with Spennymoor’s schools and groups.

“North Park is close to The Acorns and we’re sure our homeowners will be sending their children there both now and in the future.”

Patricia Monk, head teacher at North Park, said: “It has been great to take part in the competition.

“We strive hard to ensure our pupils regularly engage in activities in the local community and are always happy to work alongside community groups and businesses to foster that engagement.

“It is especially pleasing when the pupils' enthusiasm is rewarded with such a fantastic opportunity for them, both the children and teachers are so excited about the trip.”