A GROUP of Teesside students are in with the chance of winning £7,500 after being selected for the final of a national art competition.

Four students from Cleveland College of Art and Design, in Middlesbrough, have secured places in the finals of the Lloyds TSB Art of Nurture contest beating off competition from university colleagues.

The fine art and graphic designs students, Rebecca Mackintosh, Kirsty Holland, Kirsten Yates and Brogan Hendry, will now see their work displayed at a prestigious London arts venue.

The overall winner will collect £7,500, the same amount for his or her college and a three week placement in a top advertising agency.

More than 500 pieces of work had been entered into the competition. Designs will be used in Lloyds TSB advertising campaigns and other marketing material.

Cleveland College of Art and Design fine art course leader Judith Crompton said: "I am so proud of their achievements which show their ability to work with clients from a very early age.

"It is not only recognition of their raw talents but also the hard work they have put into this project."

Two of the students, Kirsty and Kirsten, came first in their categories and won £1,000 for themselves and for the college.

Brogan was placed second walking away with £500 and Rebecca third picking up £250. All four win a place in the national final which will be judged on April 16.

Students’ work took a variety of themes to express the aims, ambitions and achievements of the bank’s commercial finance section.

Kirsty, 16, of Middlesbrough, said: "I am just so pleased to have got through to the final, I can hardly believe it.

"To have my work displayed in London feels amazing and I am really looking forward to the final whatever the result."