Artwork and poetry has been mounted on the front of a boarded-up Darlington shop to stop it being an eyesore.

Developers and artists have joined forces to place "text art" - a combination of poetry and art - on the Dressers site, in High Row.

The site has stood empty for nearly a year, with some companies, including Next, showing an interest.

Darlington's West Park developers, Bussey and Armstrong, teamed up with Dressers developers Terrace Hill and art company Mawers Talbot Print, to create the art.

Bussey and Armstrong is already working with the artists to create an arts and education plan for West Park.

Feedback received from Darlington Borough Council's town centre forum led to the artwork being created after town centre representatives expressed concern over the impact a boarded-up premises in such a prominent part of the town centre was having.

Mike Challands, managing director of Mawers Talbot Print, said: "We were happy to get involved in a community project and it was the perfect opportunity for us to link with the arts project that is taking place at West Park.

"The work that we have done is ideal for a town centre location."

Council leader John Williams said: "It is great that we have been able to bring some local companies together on this art project. We are grateful to them for their efforts."

The artwork will be in place until the shop is sold and redeveloped.

A Next spokeswoman contacted last night declined to comment on whether the fashion retailer was still interested in the site.