A SCHOOLGIRL is a step away from attending the Olympic Games in Athens thanks to her artistic flair.

Sophie Herring's work won the regional heat of the Visa Olympics of the Imagination children's art competition.

Youngsters were asked to draw pictures of how they think the Olympic Games helps create a better future.

The ten-year-old, from Darlington, named her picture Rings of Friendship and said of its meaning: "Countries all over the world fight each other. The Olympic Games bring everyone together in friendly competition. My picture shows the symbol of the Olympic Games with people of different cultures linked in peace and friendship."

She now has a one in 12 chance of winning a trip to Athens in August to watch the games when judges, including five times Olympic Gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, judge the pictures in the final next Saturday.

The ceremony will take place at London Zoo when Sir Steve and seven other judges, including Roger Black, will select the gold, silver and bronze medal entries, with the successful artists awarded their medals in an Olympic style ceremony.

The winner will go to Athens and win a camcorder, while the silver medallist will get a camcorder and the bronze medallist a digital camera.

Sir Steve said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the winner to experience the magic of the Olympic Games for themselves - children are the athletes of the future and attending the biggest sporting event in the world will hopefully provide inspiration for them to take up sport."