PUPILS from a Billingham secondary school took a walk in one of the town's parks to mark a special occasion.

The youngsters from St Michael's RC School have been working with artist and blacksmith Graeme Hopper to design benches and a bridge for the newly-refurbished site, as part of a project funded by Stockton Borough Council's arts development and parks and countryside sections.

Pupils and residents took a trip to Low Grange Park to see the fruits of their labours.

Alison Clark, arts officer for the council, said: "This has been a wonderful experience for the pupils, who got to work with a professional artist, both in school and at his forge in Durham. Now, they can see their designs in all their glory in the finished galvanised steel benches and bridge, which will be an exciting addition to the park for users and local residents."

The artwork has rounded off a £50,000 refurbishment of the park, known locally as Daffodil Park, which has already seen paths upgraded, new lights installed and local youngsters joining a resident-based steering group to plant trees and daffodil bulbs.

Other projects being drawn up by the council, together with Low Grange Residents' Association and the park steering group, include wildlife improvements to Cowbridge Beck and improved links to the adjoining Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park.