TEENAGERS have drawn on their artistic talents to help wish a charity's supporters a Merry Christmas.

Fairbridge Teesside, a charity that works with disadvantaged young people, has sent hundreds of Christmas cards designed by some of those it works with.

The project is part of a year-long arts programme funded by Barclays Bank.

Fairbridge Teesside manager Mike Horsley said: "The original idea was to choose one design, but there were so many good ones that we eventually chose a montage of designs.

"The aim of the arts programme is to give young people an enjoyable pastime, but also the chance to develop skills that could help them in the workplace. Thanks to Barclays' support, they have experienced photography, sculpting, fashion, metalwork and modelling - and the Christmas cards have provided a colourful conclusion to a year's work."

The Christmas cards have been professionally printed free of charge by Billingham Press Limited.

Michael Duff, one of the card designers, said: "I was proud that my design was one of the ones chosen and would be seen by so many people."