YOUNG writers have received prizes after penning poems with an environmental theme for an event this weekend.

Twelve young poets were presented with their awards for the Poem for the Planet competition, organised by Darlington Borough Council's environmental team to help celebrate the Darlington Community Carnival.

The theme of this year's carnival is Our Town, Our World, Our Future. The choice of theme aims to raise awareness of environmental issues.

The competition was judged in four age categories, and an overall winner was picked. All winners received a wind-up radio, and runners-up won books and environmentally friendly stationery sets.

Overall winner Clare Eddy won a trip for two to the Earth Centre in Doncaster with her poem Endangered Species.

Entries will be displayed in the Arts Centre, Darlington, at the weekend.

The winners were: 14-16 years - Romeela Rana Rahinan, Hurworth Comprehensive School; 11-13 years - Clare Eddy, of Sadberge School. Runners up: Mark Alderson and Anna Thompson, of Mowden Junior School; 8-10 years - Thomas Jones, of Mowden Junior School; Runners up: Lara Tysseling and Lorna Brown, of Abbey Juniors; under seven - Luke Maddison, of St John's CE School. Runners up: Amy Smart and Alexandra Barlow, of St John's CE School.