HE'S more used to sentencing criminals - but York's top judge had a verdict of a completely different kind to reach before moving on.

As Judge Paul Hoffman prepared to leave his role as Recorder of York, he put his skills to work on judging an art competition which raised money for The Press's Guardian Angels appeal.

Children of the staff and barristers at York Crown Court, where Judge Hoffman spent eight years before stepping down as Recorder, and their friends created Christmas cards and drew angels as part of our campaign to raise £300,000 for a new high-dependency children's unit at York Hospital.

Their pictures will be used to decorate the court over the festive period and adorn cards sent out to court-users and staff.

The court also raised £41 in donations for the Guardian Angels cause, with Judge Hoffman deciding on the winners.

In the younger category, he voted four-year-old Forest of Galtres Primary School pupil Isabella Sweeney's work the best, with Charlotte Beadle, seven, of Archbishop of York Primary School, coming second.

Toni Crosswaite, ten, of Leeds' Middleton St Mary's Primary School, and Mitchell Duncan, also ten and from the same school, came first and second respectively in the eight to 12 years age group.

All those who took part in the competition were given goodie bags, sweets and art materials.

"It was one of Judge Hoffman's last duties at York and he sent a signed letter to thank every entrant," said deputy court manager Sally Buttle.