PRIMARY school youngsters were given a chance to let their imaginations run freely when they were set the task of coming up with a design for a tasty new sweet or a machine that would create scrumptious chocolate delights.

Hays Travel, in Bishop Auckland, laid down the challenge to schools in the town and surrounding area and offered the winning prize of a trip to Cadbury's Chocolate Factory.

Children donated an entry fee of 50p each which has been presented to Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

The lucky winner was Megan Newcombe, eight, from Eldon Lane Primary School with her design for a carousel sweet maker.

Susan Howard, assistant manager from Hays, said: "I chose Megan's design as I thought it was very creative and she had obviously put a lot of thought into it.

"All of the entries we received were fantastic."

Headteacher at Eldon Lane Primary School Dorothy Hope said: "All the children really enjoyed taking part and it was lovely that we had a winner from our school.''