Whitehaven's new marina flag was raised with a special ceremony to celebrate the talents of its young designer.

A competition from Whitehaven Marina Ltd for the new flag design saw almost 400 entries from children at local schools.

Jericho Primary School's Beth Houghton took the top prize, and was presented with a real-life version of the flag she had drawn during a ceremony on the marina.

The year six pupil from Whitehaven, supported by 26 of her classmates, staff from the school, and her family, took down the old flag and hoisted hers up.

Beth’s design was selected by Gordon Thomson, president of the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, who said he felt Beth had captured the criteria of the competition perfectly.

The contest was open to all children aged seven to 11. The design had to be submitted on an A4 piece of paper and have some connection to the town, harbour or the sea.

Gemma Winter, Beth's teacher, said the youngster was "naturally artistic" and spent a long time making sure her design was the way she envisioned it.

Mrs Winter said the competition was a good opportunity for children to showcase their creative talents.

She added: "It's been really nice for the children to be artistic and create something, because art seems to be squeezed out of the curriculum more and more these days.

"We are all really proud of Beth and it was really nice to see her class mates and her family there to support her.

"She deserved to win because her design was beautiful."

Simone Morgan, marina manager for Whitehaven Marina Ltd, said Beth's design won because it was "clear, bright, easily identifiable and with a nautical theme".

She added: "We had a fantastic response to the competition and 378 entered from different schools in and around Whitehaven.

"We will use Beth's flag for one year and then run the competition again."