CHILDREN have been brightening up the barn area of an outdoor centre with pictures of woodland creatures.

Countryside warden Neil Thirkell said that about 30 people helped to transform the shelter at Saltburn Valley Woodland Centre yesterday.

As well as a new nature-themed hopscotch grid, children have added paintings of caterpillars, spiders, trees and leaves.

Mr Thirkell said: "It is just to give the place a bit of colour and liven things up a bit.

"The building was originally used to store tractors, but nowadays it is used more by school parties as somewhere to shelter when it rains.

"It is a great place to eat lunch while watching nature and keeping dry."

"I am pleased that local children have got involved because it gives them a sense of pride and ownership, which will make it less likely to be the target of vandals."