AN artistic student has seen her Christmas card design chosen as the winner of a competition.

Ten-year-old Jessica Ivy Sweet, who attends St Georges C of E Academy, in Middleton St George, near Darlington, won the annual competition organised by Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC) for County Durham and Darlington.

This year there were more than 500 entries to the competition, with some schools submitting entries from every pupil.

The force has been working with schools with the force's engagement dogs – Jet and Ben – to help teach pupils about community safety and ‘stranger danger’.

Mr Hogg said: "Congratulations to Jessica for her lovely, colourful and creative design. With so many excellent entries it was really hard to pick a winner this year. Jessica’s design captured both festive fun and a strong community safety message.”

He is using Jessica’s winning design for his official PCVC Christmas card.

Mr Hogg also presented Jessica with a certificate, chocolates, and a pack of cards featuring her winning design, and a mountain bike.