A STRIKING blend of fire and ice will be the motif for a civic charity event this year, thanks to the winning design of a Darlington student.

Darlington Mayor Councillor Ron Lewis chose from more than 30 designs by students at Darlington College of Technology to promote the Mayor's Charity Ball.

He opted for the striking art work of Scott Brown, 18, of Darlington.

"I chose this one because it was so bold and I loved the way the flames burn into the ice," said Coun Lewis.

The design will be used on posters, menus, invitations, tickets and fun money for the charity roulette at the ball, being held at the Dolphin Centre on Friday, October 17.

Tickets are £32 and the proceeds will go to the mayor's chosen charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Scott, who hopes one day to work in advertising design, worked in gouache, acrylic and flour. He said: "It is based on a 1970s-style. I just loved the bright swirls."

To obtain tickets for the ball telephone (01325) 388422.