MILITARY families have discovered their creative side thanks to a special art project at the Clow Beck Eco Centre, in Croft.

Colourful trinket boxes and decorative wooden stools were just some of the things made by both civilian and armed forces families from Catterick Garrison during the 16-month project, which offered support while their loved ones were deployed in Afghanistan.

Throughout the project they tried their hands at pottery, textile art, green woodwork, jewellery making and catering and their efforts were on show at an exhibition this weekend.

Textile artist at the centre, Lone Helliwell, who helped teach the seven families said: “It was absolutely marvellous.

“This is the longest project was have done. The aim of it was to give support to armed forces families before, during and after their loved ones are deployed in Afghanistan.

“Our youngest was 18 months when they started, and everyone had their own subject they became interested in.

“It was a wonderful experience, and at times was quite heart-rending.”

The project was delivered by artists and volunteers at Clow Beck Eco Centre and was held thanks to a grant from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme with help from the Army Welfare Service.