Bishop Auckland schoolgirl's design wins walking trail stamp competition

A COUNTY Durham schoolgirl is putting her stamp on an international walking trail.

Scarlett Clark, from Bishop Auckland, won a public vote to have her deer design represent the town’s Auckland Castle on the Camino Inglès aka The English Trail.

The trail charts Saint Godric’s historic journey from Finchale Priory, near Durham, to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain during the Middle Ages. Pilgrims who walk the route today collect stamps at every stop in a trail passport, to signify where they have been.

The Learning and Engagement Team at The Auckland Project visitor destination, which includes Auckland Castle, asked creative children from across Bishop Auckland to design their own emblem to symbolise the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham on the trail.

Scarlett, a pupil at Cockton Hill Junior School, was one of more than 100 children who submitted designs. The entries were then whittled down to three and put to a public vote via The Auckland Project’s Facebook page and at No.42 in Bishop Auckland Market Place.

After the votes were tallied, Scarlett’s distinctive deer design came out on top and will now be seen by pilgrims from across the world as they make their way along the Camino Inglès to Northern Spain.

Several politicians from Galicia in Northwestern Spain, will take part in the pilgrimage from Finchale Priory to Durham Cathedral tomorrow.

The opening of the signage will take place at County Hall, at 10.30am before the Durham leg of the walk begins at 11am.

Walkers will also be joined by those celebrating the annual St Cuthbert walk and procession, which starts at 9.30am and St Mary’s and St Cuthbert’s Church in Chester-le-Street.

Organised by The Northumbrian Association, the eight-mile walk signifies the arrival of St Cuthbert’s body which was brought to Durham after a long search for a final resting place, following the Viking invasion of Lindisfarne in 793.

Durham Friends of the Camino will join with the walkers at Finchdale Abbey to continue the pilgrimage.

Those who prefer shorter routes, are welcome to join the last leg of the pilgrimage, where the St Cuthbert banner is processed from Durham Market Place up to the Cathedral, accompanied by the Mayor of Durham and his Guard. Upon arrival at the Cathedral at 2.10pm, there will be a short act of worship in the Feretory over St Cuthbert’s shrine; the spiritual heart of Durham Cathedral.

Scarlett’s mother, Alison Watson, said: “The whole family was over the moon when we heard that Scarlett’s design had won the vote. She absolutely loves all thing arts and crafts so this is a huge boost for her confidence.

“When we told Scarlett that she had won I don’t think she quite realised how big it was, but now she’s bragging to her sister and niece and she’s really excited that her stamp will represent Auckland Castle and the town.”

Liz Dollimore, head of learning for The Auckland Project, said: “It was great to see so many creative entries from children of all ages in our Trail Stamp competition. Art is a fantastic way to get young people engaged with local heritage and we enjoyed seeing so many diverse entries.

“Choosing a winner was always going to be a tough decision. However, Scarlett’s design caught the public’s imagination and we are delighted that it will represent Auckland Castle on The Camino Inglès.”

For more information about the Camino Inglès, visit britishpilgrimage.org

diseña ASINFO