PUPILS who have improved the grounds of a Middlesbrough primary school sought inspiration from their grandparents.

The year six pupils at Archibald Primary began by taking their grandparents on a school trip to Preston Hall Museum, Eaglescliffe, where playground games past and present were played.

Using photography and recorded interviews in their research, the children transformed their school grounds in only six weeks.

With the help of Middlesbrough Council's arts development team, they created mosaics depicting playground scenes, a crowd scene mural which runs alongside their newly installed basketball and football court, and a giant snakes and ladders board.

The youngsters have been involved in every aspect of the project, including a survey of pupils to find out what changes they would like.

That survey pinpointed areas most suitable for socialising and those where more active games could take place.

Headteacher Pat Irving said: "This project has really stimulated the imagination of the pupils.

"They are rightly proud of their artistic efforts and have left a lasting mark for the rest of the school to enjoy in the coming years."

The project has been co-ordinated by Groundwork Middlesbrough in partnership with community arts group Marshall Arts and is funded by West Middlesbrough New Deal for Communities.