STUDENTS are proving to be a law unto themselves as they tap into their creativity to promote a charity ball.

Darlington College graphics, art and design and fine art students have been commissioned to come up with designs for promotional material with a cops and robbers theme for the annual mayor’s ball.

Mayoral support office David Allaway, a former Durham Police inspector, lent the Level 3 graphic design students his old uniform for a photoshoot to be incorporated in the imagery.

The designs will be used on posters, tickets and table menus for the annual mayor’s ball, which is due to be staged next April to raise funds for mayor Brian Jones’ chosen charities.

Cllr Jones and his wife Doris will choose their favourites when they visit Darlington College on December 15.

Tutor Pippa Eeles said that working from a professional brief and with an authentic deadline benefitted the students. She added: “The cops and robbers theme has given students great scope and the variety of ideas they have already come up with has been impressive.”