A YOUNG artist's 'snappy' work has won a competition to design a shopping centre's new mascot.

William Kell's drawing of a crocodile was chosen to represent Middlesbrough's Cleveland Centre

The design created by the 11-year-old, from the town's Green Lane Academy, will be officially unveiled in the run up to Christmas.

The youngster, who beat hundreds of entrants by pupils across the town, said: “I thought of a crocodile because I wanted an animal that begins with ‘c’ because that’s what Cleveland starts with. I am very excited and curious to see what the mascot will look like.”

And shopping centre manager, Graeme Skillen, is now asking the public to suggest a name for the reptile.

He said: “We’ve now had an artist’s impression created and we’re excited to unveil our mascot during December’s Christmas rush. Whether he’s a crocodile or an alligator, we now need a name for him and we’re hoping our customers will again provide the inspiration."

The pupil received a £50 shopping voucher as his prize, while he and all his classmates will enjoy a guided tour of Boro’s Riverside Stadium.

Suggestions for a name for the mascot should be emailled to hello@emmersonmarketing.co.uk by 3pm on Friday, December 4, including the mascot’s name, your name, telephone number, email address and home address.