BUDDING artists have put pen to paper to help tackle littering in Darlington.

Every year pupils at Corporation Road Primary School hold a litter-themed competition, with the winning child having their name engraved on a shield.

After reading articles about the increasing number of fly-tippers in The Northern Echo, the youngsters decided to create posters tackling the issue.

Their works of art were judged by the town’s Mayor, Councillor Gerald Lee, and mayoress, Ruth, at a special presentation.

Cllr Lee, who is also chairman of the Litter Free Durham campaign, chose 11-year-old Nia Usherwood’s poster as the overall winner.

Headteacher Peter King said: “We run a popular anti-litter competition each year and with so much in the local news recently about the amount of illegal fly-tipping, it seemed the obvious choice for this year's theme.

“I think the last straw for the children was learning that a dead horse had been illegally dumped on the edge of town.

“It's quite difficult telling them that this is done by adults on purpose. The children did all their research at home and produced some great posters.

“We hope that their messages can be learned by the adults who deliberately spoil our community."