PUPILS spent time with an artist as further commitment to the improvement of their local community.

The group, all aged 11 to 12, from St Michael's School, Billingham, took part in a citizenship session with Graeme Hopper to design a small bridge and three benches for the nearby Low Grange Park.

Sara Davies, the school's citizenship co-ordinator, said: "We have been trying to encourage pupils to take pride in their local communities and to play active roles whenever possible. Already, some older pupils have started to attend meetings of the local residents' association and others have been involved in the Billingham regeneration programme through the Eco-Schools Scheme. This project gives pupils the chance to make lasting contributions to the nearby park and is aimed at encouraging feelings of ownership of the area's facilities."

Later this year some of the pupils will visit Mr Hopper's workshop in Durham