FOUR schoolchildren were last night presented with awards for their efforts to design a logo for the Smoke-free Derwentside project.

Karl Pitt, 9, of Tanfield Lea Junior School, was the overall winner of the competition, which attracted nearly 600 entries.

The three runners-up were Anna Burnett, of Tanfield Comprehensive School, Nicola Snailham, of Bloemfontein Primary School, Craghead, and Laura Heaton, of Stanley Burnside Primary School.

Karl, who spent a day with a graphic designer to see his logo brought to fruition was presented, along with the three runners-up, with a medal, framed picture of their winning entry and a T-shirt with their designs.

Consett Junior Brass band provided music at the ceremony, held in the Beamish Park Hotel, near Stanley.

Karl's winning logo will be used to identify the workplaces and public spaces that have been given smoke-free status.

Smoke Free Derwentside chairman Dr Maggie Ireland said: "The logo competition was a fun way for the children to learn about the dangers of smoking and the effects of second-hand smoke on the health of non-smokers."