THE final piece of an elaborate 3,000-piece playground mosaic was sealed in place by Redcar historian Vera Robinson.

The ceremony marked the end of a project started in 1999 to mark the Millennium, featuring scenes celebrating the town's heritage.

The 90-year-old was delighted to be invited to lay the last tile at Wheatlands Primary School and took time to explain to the youngsters how the school came to get its name. She said: "It was an honour to be asked. I was absolutely delighted."

Depicting the prow of the world's oldest lifeboat, the Zetland, the final piece completes the massive artwork which also includes fishing boats, bathing huts, a ring of cod, children and seagulls.

Artist John Todd, from Darlington, spent hundreds of hours with the children, making clay tiles, each one individually named to transform his original artwork into the mosaic.

Acting headteacher Chris Moorfoot said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that it's finished - it's been a long work in progress. The children are fascinated by it and are always trying to find their named tile."

The school's Friends of Wheatlands, plus sponsorship from local businesses, helped to fund the £3,000 project.