SCHOOL pupils and residents are celebrating after their artistic designs were selected to be displayed on a flagship development.

Cestria Community Housing invited local schools and community groups in Chester-le-Street to create designs with an environmental theme to be displayed around the perimeter of a new construction site.

The £6.5m Elms development, on the town’s GardenFarm Estate, will be a specialist housing scheme for the over 55’s.

The artwork was designed by children from Nettlesworth Primary School and local community groups, the Crazy for Art group, the Brockwell Centre and the Society of Disabled Artists (SODA).

Cestria Community Housing and their construction partner, Keepmoat has entered the hoardings into the Ivor Goodsite hoarding competition as part of the Considerate Constructors scheme.

Cestria Community Housing customer relationship manager Lisa Coverdale said: “This is a great example of partnership working where local businesses, schools and community groups have come together to work on a project.

“Not only does it raise awareness of the development that is being constructed but it also brings together the local community, young and old.”

When complete, the homes will be for rent, or sale on a leasehold or shared ownership basis.

The scheme will also include a range of communal residential and support spaces within the main block.

Facilities that can be used by residents and the wider community include a beauty/treatment room, IT suite, internet cafe, laundry, community allotment and office/community exhibition space.

Work started on The Elms development earlier this month and is expected to be completed in Spring 2015.