PRIMARY school pupils in Stockton have been putting their artistic and literary skills to the test, by submitting drawings and descriptions of favourite teachers for a competition.

The competition was launched by Stockton Local Education Authority (LEA) as part of a national drive to recruit teachers.

Entries for My Favourite Teacher 2002 will be displayed nationwide in Stockton LEA's teacher recruitment literature, in a bid to persuade more teachers to apply for vacancies in the borough.

Tomorrow, Mayor of Stockton Councillor Jean O'Donnell will present the winners with book vouchers.

Karen Kerr, Stockton Borough Council's teacher recruitment strategy manager, said: "This competition is an ideal way of not only celebrating the work of teachers, but hopefully complimenting our drive to recruit teachers nationally.

"We feel it is important teachers know how valued they are and what a difference they can make to young lives.

"This is another way of also saying a big thank you to them.

"This is only a pilot, but we have been overwhelmed by the response and we hope to expand the competition in the future."