A GROUP of Stockton schoolchildren have been rewarded for their artistic talents.

Pupils from 23 primary, secondary and special schools submitted works of art to the borough's Northumbria in Bloom competition.

A selection of the paintings will be entered into the regional heat and 12 finalists will have their paintings published in the Northumbria in Bloom calendar for 2003.

Stockton Borough Council's parks officer Barry Hunter said: "Art teachers involved in this project in particular deserve credit for their help in encouraging the children to take part.