A SCHOOLBOY has won a competition for designing a poster to raise awareness of mental health.

Eight-year-old Ryan McKenna, from Holy Trinity Primary School, Hartlepool, came out on top in the competition, organised as part of the recent World Mental Health Day.

The theme for the competition was Don't Worry, Be Happy and all of Hartlepool's schools were invited to take part.

Hartlepool FC mascot, H'Angus the monkey, presented the prizes on behalf of the organisers, Hartlepool Borough Council, Hartlepool Primary Care Trust and Mind.

Ryan won a £20 voucher along with a certificate and a healthy schools goody bag for his efforts.

The winning entrants from each school also received a certificate and goody bag.

Sandra Saint, the council's healthy schools co-ordinator, said: "Emotional health and well-being is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"Schools are aware of the need to be proactive in the positive development of emotional health, and the poster competition presented an excellent opportunity to promote the issue and raise awareness."