ARTY youngsters demonstrated their talents at the weekend to help a national charity.

The Durham Wildlife Trust staged a local heat of the Pavement Artists Competition at its centre at Rainton Meadows, Chilton Moor, near Houghton-le-Spring, on Saturday.

Competitors had to draw a picture using chalk on the ground of centre's car park on the theme of "the river bank".

The competition, for youngsters aged four to 18, runs nationally each year and proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Wildlife Trust chief executive Richard Wood said: "This is the 17th year of the competition and the second year it has taken place at the Durham Wildlife Trust.''

Mr Wood added: "The winners have their picture photographed and they will go forward for national judging."

The prize for national winners - the competition is judged in age groups - is £200.