YOUNG volunteers have unveiled their latest project in their drive to change the face of a Bishop Auckland estate.

Four new navy blue seats at Henknowle have been designed by Millennium Volunteers with the help of Groundwork West Durham and Wear Valley District Council.

Residents complained that the old steel seats were ugly and uncomfortable, when they questioned by the group, whose members are all aged between 16 and 24.

The young people identified problem areas during a photography project and have worked for the past 18 months to clean up the worst blackspots.

As well as brightening up the estate, they also hope to bridge the generation gap between young and elderly residents.

Steven Bainbridge, Niki Robinson and Lee Brownson represented the group at the unveiling ceremony.

The seats are all carved with designs showing Auckland Castle, a montage of youth activities, Henknowle's farming heritage and the estate's name.

The initials of the young design team and the date 2002 are also engraved on them.