CHRISTMAS cards sent from Bishop Auckland College are extra special this year because they have been designed by one of the college's own students.

Talented Adam Keen won a competition to design the college's corporate cards, to be sent to colleagues and business partners.

The 17-year-old is in his first year of a National Diploma course in graphic design. His colourful abstract design received a third of all votes in the contest judged by staff.

Former Parkside School pupil Adam said: "I'm really pleased to have won and am looking forward to seeing it made into a proper Christmas card."

Art and design lecturer Yvonne Sewell said: "The first year students completed this project as part of their course and they really enjoyed it."