A FASHION student has won a Christmas design competition.

Samantha Ramsey, who is studying for a National Diploma in Fashion at Darlington College of Technology, won £70-worth of vouchers to spend on art equipment in the Winter Wonderland design contest, sponsored by the Queen Street Shopping Arcade and organised by Darlington Borough Council's markets team.

The 16-year-old, from Scorton, North Yorkshire, said: "I used oils and pastels and an ink wash, emphasising the shininess of the baubles with acrylic. I was really pleased to have my design chosen."

Her Christmas tree and bauble design will be used on leaflets, posters and advertisements to promote the Winter Wonderland event in the town next month.

Many college students produce designs for marketing material to promote the event, which will see Darlington Market Square transformed into a Christmas scene from days gone by, with fairground rides, mulled wine and stalls.

Council markets officer Albert Nowicki said: "The students have obviously worked extremely hard to produce this work in a very limited time. They have done very well indeed."