AN industrial estate will provide the inspiration for a design competition at Darlington College of Technology.

The theme of the contest is Structures, and A-level students from the college's fine art and photographic courses will use their impressions of industrial buildings, made on a recent tour of the Lingfield Point complex, to help them with their entries.

Lingfield Investments has sponsored two £250 prizes and the winning artwork and other selected entries will hang in Lingfield House.

Work to restore the building to its former splendour is almost completed, with an art-deco style reception area and two marble staircases.

Eddie Humphries, estate manager, said: "An industrial park might not be seen as the most attractive places, but there are some very interesting buildings at Lingfield Point.

"We are looking forward to seeing the students' interpretation of the complex in their finished artwork."