A TALENTED inmate at a North-East young offenders' institution has made a trip to the House of Lords, in London, after winning an award in a national art competition.

Danny Docherty, 18, from Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, in Barnard Castle, received a certificate from the Earl of Listowell as the overall winner in the National Grid Transco (NGT) Bringing Energy to Life art contest.

The competition is open to young people in custody, to give them confidence to exercise their artistic skills.

Mr Docherty received a £100 cheque and HM YOI Wetherby, the establishment that submitted his entry, received £1,000 to support its art department.

Dr Mary Harris, director responsible for the NGT Young Offender Project, said: "The art competition complements NGT's work supporting offenders to turn their lives around, and the House of Lords presentation showcased the talents of young people in prison to a distinguished audience.

"We congratulate all receiving certificates and wish them well."