CREATIVE children in care designed a Christmas card for Durham County Council.

Looked after youngsters were invited to draw, paint, cut and stick together a festive or wintery picture.

The winning image was then printed and used as the official card for the authority’s Children and Young People’s Services department.

Councillor Ossie Johnson, cabinet member for CYPS, said: “We know there are many creative children out there and we wanted to give them a chance to show off what they can do.

“We had many fantastically vibrant and colourful entries, including pictures of robins, reindeers, Santa, Christmas trees, present filled stockings and snowmen.

All the category winners received a framed print of their artwork and a £15 shopping voucher.

The 15-year-old girl who won the overall competition also received a pack of cards with her winning design and an art set.

For information about becoming a foster carer in County Durham visit durham.gov.uk/fostering