MP Peter Mandelson was in the region yesterday to present computers to young winners in a national competition.

The pupils from nine schools in the region won the computers for their classmates through the Tesco Computers for Schools scheme.

The youngsters designed posters to win the computers, and certificates of achievement.

Following the presentation Mr Mandelson, MP for Hartlepool, took part in an on-line interview as part of the SchoolNet 200 initiative.

The schools who were awarrded computers were The Links Primary School in Eaglescliffe, Hartlepool's Catcote School, West Park County Primary School, Eldon Grove Primary School, Fens Primary School, Kingsley County Primary School, Sacred Heart RC Primary School, St Joseph's RC Primary School and St Teresa's RC Primary School.