A FERRYHILL youngster has won a new mountain bike as part of a school competition to encourage good behaviour and hard work.

Five-year-old Megan Dineen, from Dean Bank Primary School, won the competition run by the Sedgefield Community Rangers initiative and sponsored by the Three Rivers Housing Group.

Each pupil at the school was given an electronic smartcard at the start of the school year to record merit points awarded by their teachers for good work and behaviour.

They received a ticket for every 50 points collected, which were later put into a prize draw for the bicycle.

Estelle Casey, Community Rangers co-ordinator, said: "The enthusiasm and response from the children have been amazing.

"They have all made achievements by taking part in any case. The bike is a real bonus for Megan."

Sedgefield Borough Council set up Community Rangers with other local businesses to promote better safety in the area by encouraging good citizenship among young people.

Three Rivers agreed to sponsor the prize as part of their involvement in the community in the Dean Bank area.

Pete Ottowell, customer services director at Three Rivers, said: "We have been working with our partners in the area, particularly Sedgefield Borough Council, to build a better community.

"So when Community Rangers approached us to work with the young people in Ferryhill, we were only too pleased to be involved with the initiative."