CHRISTMAS came early for a Durham teenager who was presented with a gift from the mayor.

Victoria Sowerby, 17, a pupil at Durham High School for Girls, has designed this year's Durham City Christmas card.

The design is an original composition of interior views of the cathedral which Victoria put together for a school tapestry project.

The Mayor of Durham, Councillor John Lightley, spotted the tapestry on a visit to the school.

He said: "I was extremely impressed by the design. I thought it would make a great design for the city's Christmas card, having been designed by a local young person and depicting some of the city's heritage."

He added: "I approached Victoria, to ask her permission to use the design, and I'm pleased to say she was delighted with the suggestion."

The mayor paid a return visit to the school to thank Victoria, and present her with a £50 gift voucher and a copy of the Christmas card.

Almost 2,000 of the cards are being sent to groups across the city.

* Roberta Blackman-Woods MP made a presentation to the winner of her Christmas card competition earlier this month.

Caitlin Neasham, nine, from Finchale Primary School, won £100 bonus bond vouchers, donated by Northumbrian Water, and five tickets to the Gala Theatre pantomine, Jack and the Beanstalk.