VILLAGERS did a double take when a bus stop was transformed into a mini micro-pub.

The pop-up installation in Easington Lane was created as part of an Art in the Streets project, commissioned by the Sunderland Culture group.

It is aimed at enabling people to experience art by chance, to raise smiles and to help isolated members of the community talking again.

The temporary Lane Inn includes wallpaper, a disco ball, music and nostalgic photographs of nights out in the pubs of Easington Lane and neighbouring Hetton-le-Hole.

Artists Sally Southern and Nicola Lynch consulted local residents over what they had most missed most during the Covid lockdowns with the curbs created by social distancing at the start of the project.

Sunderland Culture producer Vicki Kennedy said: “This project really has given local people a talking point and we hope it raised spirits after such a tough time.

“The feedback we’ve had on social media has been really supportive and we would love to repeat the project in pop-up locations through the year.”

More bus stop installations are planned, but, in the meantime, both artists are working on further Art in the Streets commissions and Message of Hope projects.