A COMPETITION to design a logo for the new Smoke-Free Derwentside project has received more than 600 entries.

Children aged four to 18 were invited to enter the competition, which has four age categories.

The overall winner will be announced on January 6, and will win a glass trophy as well as the chance to work with a graphic designer before the logo goes into mass production.

All the winners will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony at the Beamish Park Hotel on January 20 when they will receive a medal, a framed picture of their winning entry and a T-shirt.

Smoke-Free Derwentside, which was launched in July, aims to improve the health of everyone in the district by encouraging a reduction in the amount of tobacco smoke in the environment.

Dr Maggie Ireland, chairwoman of Smoke-Free Derwentside, said: "We are delighted with the response and the high standard of the entries we received for the logo competition.

"It was a great opportunity for the children to learn about the dangers of smoking and the effects of second-hand smoke on the health of non- smokers.

"We hope that everyone enjoyed taking part."