YOUNGSTERS have been given free reign to create graffiti in a seaside town.

The young artists have created a 16ft graffiti wall on the side of the Connexions' One Stop Shop, in Redcar, as part of a project helping them to put their talents to positive use.

The creation formed part of Connexions Tees Valley's Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) project, which provides a wide range of school holiday time activities, diverts young people from taking part in criminal activities and gives those at risk of being socially excluded a chance to fulfil their potential.

Artists from Middlesbrough children's charity Percy helped the youngsters to complete the mural in time for its unveiling yesterday.

Veronica Harnett, locality manager for Connexions in Redcar and Cleveland, said: "The wall looks absolutely brilliant.

"The young people have worked really hard and have enjoyed every minute of the project.

"PAYP, as the name suggests, encourages young people to put their energy to positive use and that's certainly what they have done.

"The wall really brightens up a dull entrance to the back of our One Stop Shop and shows everyone how talented and creative young people can be.

"We are very proud of their achievement."