BUDDING young fashion designers were determined that their teacher would be well-dressed when she met the Queen.

Youngsters at Abbey Junior School, Darlington, were asked to design an outfit for Judith Kent to wear when she received her MBE this week.

Although she did not wear any of the designs when she received the honour, she did choose her three favourites.

Mrs Kent, who has been teaching for a 41 years, returned to work yesterday, and greeted the winners.

Juliet Burt, Angela Chapman and Grace Simpson all had their photographs taken with Mrs Kent, and they will receive prints to commemorate the occasion.

Abbey Junior School headteacher George Ford said: "Some of the designs were weird and wonderful, and some of the children definitely have a future in the fashion trade."