Pupils from seven Teesdale primary schools used odds and ends to create model farm scenes, including dry stone walls, in less than an hour.

The youngsters took part in the Green Explorers challenge as part of National Science Week, at Barnard Castle.

Tony Noble and his wife, Anne, who run the Green Explorers community group in the area, said pupils produced some superb designs.

Wood, wool and cloth were among the materials donated for the contest and Trevor Dixon, who makes dry stone wall models as a part-time business, provided bags of shaped stones for the miniature walls.

He also acted as a judge with textile expert Lone Grinter and former Glaxo scientist John Ridlington.

The only all-girls team, from Cockfield School, was awarded a prize for most imagination.

The award for the most realistic scene went to Toft Hill while Middleton-in-Teesdale school won the prize for the best teamwork.

St Mary's School, Barnard Castle, was judged to have the best technical ability and Ingleton's pupils were given the prize for best design.

The most creative team was from Gainford School while Cotherstone School took the award for the best use of recycled materials.