A teenager has wowed designers in a national competition with her dazzling walk-to-school outfit.

Katy Lawson, 14, of Baildon, won praise from judges as she won the runner-up prize in a competition called Step Out In Style.

The contest was held as part of the Government's Travelling to School Initiative, encouraging children to get healthy and walk to school.

Children were challenged to design a stylish outfit able to withstand the British weather. They were urged to let their imaginations run wild and ignore usual uniform rules.

Katy, of Bank Walk, beat hundreds of other contestants with her colourful design which included mandatory fashionable wellies, a brightly-coloured skirt and top and a see-through waterproof mackintosh.

She even included a garishly-designed umbrella for girls to help keep their hair straight.

Her design has won her a trip to London, including tickets for the Design Museum and vouchers to spend at Top Shop, whose representatives were among the judges.

Katy, who hopes to take art A-level and is considering a career in architecture, said: "I entered because I love design and fashion and like being creative.

"I looked at lots of magazines and got ideas from them. I was really surprised when I got the phone call saying I'd won."

The competition has been part of a Government drive to cut congestion and pollution and boost healthier lifestyles for youngsters.

Ministers want all schools in England to produce a school travel plan by the end of the decade.

Katy was one of four runner-ups. The overall winner was Kendall Williams, ten, of Oxfordshire.

Margaret Jackson, of the Government office transport team for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Walking to school, where it's a safe and practical option, is a great way for both children and their parents to get regular

exercise while doing their bit for the environment. As much as anything we find that many families enjoy the walk because it's a great way to catch up with friends.

"Inspired by Katy's success and with milder weather on the way, we hope that many more children in Yorkshire and the Humber will give walking to school a go this spring."