MORE than 150 children from eight schools have created a series of cricket banners.

Schools and community groups from County Durham were at Durham County Cricket Club in Chester-le-Street yesterday to celebrate the Riverside International Test Match Banners Project. Fifteen banners were created with artists Nicole Balfour and David Daniells.

Each banner represents the groups taking part, as well as the countries competing in cricket matches.

The aim of the project was to increase the art opportunities in the community and celebrate this month's Test Match series.

Youngsters also had the chance to join a choice of interactive workshops, including silk painting and Afro-Cuban music and dance.

Chester-le Street District Council is behind the project and has organised more than 50 workshops to create the banners.

A council spokesman said: "Nicole Balfour and David Daniells are professional practising banner artists who work together as a dynamic team.

"The artists have worked together alongside a broad section of the community to design and produce original artworks.

"They have led silk and textile workshops in many schools in the region, including early years work and projects with groups of varied ability."