YOUNG artists were rewarded yesterday for their unusual card designs promoting the role of fathers.

Pupils at Greencroft School, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, were asked to come up with greeting cards aimed at raising awareness about the importance of good male role models to children.

The project was set up by Sure Start West Derwentside and the Supporting Parents Network (Span), which will have the best designs printed up and send the cards to congratulate fathers-to-be.

Two joint winners were chosen. Tracy Statt, a Year 11 pupil, and Michael Graham, in Year Nine.

The runner-up was Debbie Mickle, of Year 10.

Tom Clark, Span development worker, said: "The cards celebrate the massive part that fathers and father figures can play in child care.

"Span believes that positive male role models can make a big difference in the development and success of children - academically, emotionally and socially.

"It was too difficult to judge, as the standards of artwork and ideas where so high, so we chose two winners and one runner-up."

The group, based in Tanfield Neighbourhood Centre at Tanfield School, near Stanley, is run by parents and offers advice and support.

It runs fathers' groups on Wednesday, 2.30pm to 4.30pm, and a dads and toddlers group on Thursdays, 4.30pm to 6pm, both in the Sure Start Centre in Clifford Road, Stanley.

For further details on Span, contact Mr Clark or Jacqui Bowker on (01207) 281080.