IT may have been a grey, damp day across most of the region yesterday, but one village was enjoying a tropical feeling.

Artistic residents in West Cornforth created a 10ft plastic palm tree from recycled materials to "plant" outside a youth drop-in centre.

The group of 18 young people and adults with learning difficulties worked with environmental artist Anna Roebuck to transform used carrier bags into the sculpture.

The bags were heat-treated and weaved onto metre-long palm leaf frames.

Young people who use Cornforth House came up with the idea of creating a piece of art for the yard outside the community venue and are looking forward to installing it soon.

The event, at West Cornforth Primary School, was the final day in a series of Big Art Days organised by Sedgefield Borough Council.

Similar sessions have also been held in Sedgefield and Trimdon.

Arts development officer Emily Crallan said: "The three events have been great.

"The West Cornforth art day was really successful and it was a fun way of bringing the community together.

"Everyone enjoyed learning a new skill and there is a beautiful end product created from a load of rubbish.

"It will be there for the whole community to enjoy for a long time."