YOUNG people have been drawing on their local history to create an artistic mural to brighten up a community space.

A group of ten 11 to 18year-olds were involved in the Turning the Corner (TTC) project, which involved teaming up with professional artists Helen Gaunt and Derek Mosey to create a 40ft mural at weekly workshops held over three months.

The eye-catching artwork, which has recently been installed on the exterior of the Loftus Youth and Community Centre, consists of nine separate images depicting the area's history.

These include pictures representing east Cleveland's ironstone mining heritage, as well as those showing the current interests of the young artists, such as scooter boarding.

Toni Clark, 15, said: "I tried the artwork sessions for the first time and was surprised by how much I enjoyed them."

Mike Dent, TTC youth worker for Groundwork North-East, said: "Seeing the artwork in place has created a sense of pride and ownership among the group, and has helped to improve the reputation of young people seen to be hanging around in the town centre."

For more information about TTC, call 01642815663 or visit groundwork.org.uk/northeast