CHILDREN got a behind-the-scenes look at Darlington's changing town centre when they toured the Pedestrian Heart works this week.

Year six pupils from Mowden Junior School were shown the health and safety equipment worn by labourers and site managers, before seeing first-hand how the work is progressing.

Two pupils were selected to be site manager and foreman for the day, and were dressed in the necessary safety kit before the pupils split into three groups for the tour.

After lunch, they took part in skate buggy races, met outgoing Darlington mayor Councillor Stella Robson, before looking at the different town centre buildings.

The youngsters will use the experience to create their own piece of art showing their vision of the future, which will be made into murals and displayed in the town centre this summer.

Teacher Lorraine Watkinson said the children had been studying local history this term.

"We have looked at Bondgate then and now," she said. "This is taking it into the future."

Pupil Lauren Turner, 11, said: "It is really good and exciting, and something lots of people will probably enjoy."

Pedestrian Heart project manager Brian Dobinson said: "It is important that the general public get to know what we are doing and the best way is through the children. After all, they are the future.

"They are going to be seeing this from now for another 70 or 80 years."

Year five pupils at St Bede's Primary School are also doing work around the Pedestrian Heart scheme.

Any schools who would like to get involved can contact liaison officer Geraint Williams on (01325) 388665.