WORK is continuing to brighten up a town's historic wynds and yards as part of an ongoing regeneration project.

Artist Nicky Peacock has been designing shop front proposals for Post House Wynd, in Darlington.

The changes have started to appear, including at The Wynd Café & Bistro, which has a vibrant turquoise shopfront and pastel coloured stripes.

The artist said: "When I was considering designs for the shopfronts of Post House Wynd, I wanted plenty of colour and a bold, fresh approach to brighten the kerb appeal of this charming but somewhat underrated thoroughfare.

"Stripes never go out of style and colour lifts the spirits. I really wanted Darlington to have a motif all of its own – something memorable, surprising, and joyous – enter the candy-striped shop fronts.”

Bistro owner Richard Waite described the result as "superb".

He said: "We are really pleased with the outcome. It’s superb and looks a million per cent better. The work which is underway sounds really promising. The town has a nice feel to it and lots of potential.”

Darlington Borough Council is leading the project.

Cllr Heather Scott, leader of the authority, said: “Investing in our heritage assets like the historic yards and wynds is a key part of our vision and commitment to build on what’s here and take it forward. We want to create a resilient town centre rooted in its rich history. I think the pastel stripes look fantastic. There is a growing cluster of independent retailers in the Yards, and they are real gems.”

As well as upgraded shop fronts - a living green wall, decorative lighting, benches, pots, planters and artwork is also in the pipeline in the town’s historic yards, as part of the council’s Towns Fund.