PART-TIME childcare students have designed children's toys and other products with safety in mind.

The group is studying for a Btec in early years development at Stockton Riverside development.

Their tutor Joanne Riddle described their latest project creating children's products as "outstanding".

The students' specialist area is childcare, which Ms Riddle said made the effort to produce specially adapted cuddly toys, squeezy cushions, jigsaws and specialised carriers even more impressive.

She said: "The world of design was a totally new environment for many of these students as they had never sewn a stitch before.

"The project has opened the students' eyes to design and the link that it has to their specialist area of childcare and no two products were the same."

Ms Riddle said some of the designs may be presented to retailers for consideration.

* Mature students who are interested in a career and the two-year Btec course in childcare and education can contact Madeleine Massey at Stockton Riverside College for an informal discussion on 01642 865494.