A Hitchin-based company has helped bring a brand-new hospital mascot to life after a 10-year-old from nearby Letchworth won a county-wide design competition.

East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity has unveiled its new mascot, 'Stripe', created by Josie, aged 10, whose entry was chosen from 168 submissions.

Josie's design impressed judges with its friendly, cheerful appearance and thoughtful details, incorporating the charity's colours and heart motifs. She described Stripe as "funny, kind and cute" – qualities the charity said made it the perfect mascot for patients.

The winning design was then turned into reality by illustrators at The Puppet Company, which is based in Hitchin and also sponsored the mascot project.

As part of her prize, Josie and her family visited the company to see Stripe brought to life, with Josie and her sister also receiving toys to mark the occasion.

Speaking after her win, Josie said: "I love drawing and colouring and when I saw this competition come through the letter box, I thought I will enter it, not ever thinking I would win.

"I designed Stripe based on the charity's colours and I thought Stripe had to be a fun-loving character. He must make people who are in hospital and are feeling unwell, smile."

The charity supports services across the county, including Lister Hospital in Stevenage, the New QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City, Hertford County Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.

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Eloise Huddleston, director of the charity, said the new mascot would play an important role in connecting with patients and the wider community.

She said: "We were all very excited to meet Stripe. He looks amazing. Josie's design is perfect. He will bring so much joy to children and adult patients alike. You can't help but smile when you see him.

"Stripe will help us raise awareness of the work we do supporting our NHS teams to give the very best care to patients and their families. He will also help out at events and community activities so watch out for him coming to a venue near you soon."

She added her thanks to The Puppet Company for its support, describing the experience given to Josie and her family as "a day they will always remember."