METAL trees will help to brighten up an old pit village undergoing a major facelift.
The Normandy poplars, by blacksmith and artist Graham Hopper, of Hunwick, will be installed at Ushaw Moor.
The 20ft high sculptures, commissioned by Durham City Council, will form a screen around the village green, which is to be extended. The extension will entail closing the access to Whitehouse Lane.
Tarmac will be removed and grassed over, trees and shrubs planted, a footpath created and railings replaced with bollards. The improvements, by Durham County Council's Service Direct construction arm, is part of the city council's Lower Deerness Valley regeneration.
The £35,000 project is funded by both councils, the Single Regeneration Budget and County Durham Environmental Trust.
The trust is giving £25,000 and its chairman John Wearmouth said the scheme would give the village a major facelift and help to revive confidence and improve public perceptions of the area'.
County council environment director Chris Tunstall said: ""This latest work to extend the village green by closing the access to Whitehouse Lane will not only enhance the centre of the village but greatly improve safety at that junction.
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