A YOUNG artist is the toast of her school after winning a county Many Nations competition.

Gabrielle Fulton, aged ten, from Our Lady and St Thomas RC Primary School, Willington, was judged the best in her age group in a competition promoting positive attitudes to cultural differences.

Durham County Council organised the contest, which was entered by 470 young people aged between four and 17. Overall winner was Samantha Mitchell, of Easington School.

Chris Perkins, from Durham Trinity, won the special school prize and Sarah Quinn, also from Easington School, won the secondary section.

They designed posters and bookmarks under the banner Many Nations, One World, for use in schools and local businesses.

Gabrielle, from Sunnybrow, shared her prize with her parents Madeleine and Andrew, brother Chris, 14, and grandparents David and Jacqueline Hill. They enjoyed a meal at Shafto's Inn and Restaurant, in Spennymoor, which sponsored the competition.

Brian Stobie, the council's international relations officer, said: "Many Nations, One World is designed to embrace and consider the multi-cultural society we all live in."

Prizes were presented at Whitworth Hall, Spennymoor, by council chairman Ernie Foster.