YOUNG people are helping to put something back into their community by brightening up surroundings for playgroup children.

They unveiled a mural, created over several months, at Cooper Hall, a community centre in Witton Gilbert, near Durham.

It was launched by the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Ray Gibbon, who represents Witton Gilbert on the city council.

About 30 children, aged ten to 16, who live in the village are involved in the project - called Our Big Idea - and they meet up at the hall on a Monday evening.

They have thought of schemes to improve the area and, supported by youth workers and financial backing from the Keyfund Federation, have put several into action.

They talked to staff and three-year-old users of a playgroup at Cooper Hall to get ideas for the mural.

Then the group got to work creating a design using nursery books and incorporating suggestions from the children.

The result is a colourful 20ft by 6ft masterpiece, featuring a train carrying figures from children's stories as passengers, with other educational features to help counting and word skills, and a height chart.

Mike Burgess, a youth worker who lives in the village, said: "This is about young people putting something back into the community and it's important that they are seen as part of the community rather than being alienated."

Coun Gibbon presented certificates to members of Our Big Idea, for their work in the community.

The children also enjoyed an appearance by Merlin the magician who put on a show to entertain the audience.