AN essay on the Industrial Revolution has won Mark Richardson the James Barningham essay competition at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, in Darlington.

Twelve students entered the annual competition. Mark, from Woodham, won the first prize of £50.

Next year, after his A-levels, he hopes to go to university to study law.

Second prize went to Michael Raymond, with Aidan Stonehouse third.

Other prizewinners: Heather Minto, Craig Mann, Anne Lowes, Simon Bibby, Alison Galpin, James Freedman, Adam Guy, Scott Blackburn and Mark Francis.