YOUNGSTERS in Ferryhill had reason to celebrate Easter early this year.

More than 60 children between five and 12 entered the Ferryhill Easter cake design competition, organised by Three Rivers Housing Group and baker Greggs.

Supported by local schools, Ferryhill Kids Club and Sure Start, children in Ferryhill were invited to submit Easter cake designs. The standard was so high that the judges, including Ferryhill Deputy Mayor Kath Conroy and The Northern Echo's reporter Andrew White, decided to award first, second and third prizes in each category.

Bethany Anne Stephenson, five, of Dean Bank Primary School, won in the five to eight category, with Rachel Cooper second and Gemma Vasey third. Lewis Brown, nine, also from Dean Bank, won top prize in the nine to 12 age group, with Olorin Henderson second and Jemma Clanfield third.

The winning designs were reproduced in icing on cakes baked by Greggs, which has a shop in Ferryhill