YOUNGSTERS from primary schools across Stockton have helped the town's efforts to win back-to-back Northumbria in Bloom titles by brightening up a shopping centre with floral paintings.

Every year, the Wellington Square shopping centre goes to town in its efforts to support the community in the competition, with large floral displays and a specially-commissioned sculpture in the central square.

The youngsters' paintings feature on hoardings between the store fronts, providing an eye-catching and colourful accompaniment to the displays and banners.

Rob Gildersleeve, Wellington Square centre manager, said: "We are always keen to showcase local talent, and it's great to give our local children the opportunity to have their art on public display.

"The centre looks really stunning, and I'm sure the judges were delighted to see that young people are playing their part."

Pupils at participating schools were asked to submit their drawings to a judging panel that included the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor William Noble.

The selected entries were then printed onto the hoardings and are displayed throughout Wellington Square.