A FESTIVAL is being held this summer to show primary school pupils and other groups in Teesdale how to design flags and banners.

It is run by the Artworks project, which has received a grant from the Arts Council National Lottery fund, along with support from Teesdale Council.

Four professional artists: Charlie Arnold, Nicola Balfour, Gillian Tallentire and Keith Alexander, are working with schools in Bowes, Startforth, Staindrop and Cockfield on the designs. There are also sessions at Bowes Museum's art club and Teesdale Carers Centre.

Some of the best designs will be turned into large flags and banners which will be hung from buildings in the dale. The idea was tried out on a smaller scale last year.

Denise Alexander, the project's co-ordinator, said: "We are really delighted to receive the grant.

"The completed works will add a vivid splash of colour."