YOUNGSTERS have been forging ahead with a park makeover in Stockton.

A group of pupils from St Michael's RC School, in Billingham, took a trip to an artist blacksmith's forge to see how work is progressing on their designs for benches and a bridge in the newly-refurbished Low Grange Park.

Children have worked with Graeme Hopper, an artist blacksmith from Durham, to draw up ideas that will be included in the finished product.

Now they have seen for themselves the different processes involved in bringing their designs to life.

Stockton Borough Council's arts officer, Alison Clark, said: "It is wonderful to see how much the children benefited from working with a professional artist in this creative medium.

"Graeme's work is known all over the North-East and we are thrilled these pieces will be placed at the heart of the community."

Liz Sheldrake, a teacher at St Michael's, said: "We have had a fantastic time. It has been a great opportunity for the pupils to experience an art form they wouldn't normally encounter in school."

The bridge and benches will complete the £50,000 revamp of the park, where paths have been upgraded, new lights installed and trees and daffodil bulbs planted by local youngsters working with a residents' steering group.