People living in Redcar are being given the chance to have their memories of the town immortalised in stainless steel as part of an art project.

On Tuesday, a team of canvassers were asking residents and visitors to take part in Quotes In Steel, a project funded by the West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget.

The result will be 14 stainless steel interpretation boards sited on a route from the Majuba car park to the Esplanade. It is hoped the boards will be in place by Easter.

Street interviewers Andrew Popple, Emma Stokes, Clare O'Connor and Jemma Mead are being given SRB-funded training to help them become Redcar's first welcome guides.

Trish Hughes, their training co-ordinator, said: "These boards will get people talking. We want to hear what they've got to say about Redcar if they've got a good point to make, an amusing comment, maybe even a cheeky comment.

"We want to know what they like about the town, what's on offer for visitors - and shout about it.

"We've got plenty of space on these boards and I'm sure they'll become a tourist attraction in themselves."

Anyone who missed the survey can still take part by obtain a form from the Tourist Information Centre or Redcar Library.

* West Redcar Single Regeneration Budget's Community Chest has given a £1,000 grant to help The Junction create a counselling service.

The money will refurbish the first floor of The Junction's Station Road base, buying chairs, desks and a table for a counselling room and office used by young people, volunteers and paid staff.

The National Lottery's community fund helped start the project, which has been in Redcar since 1992 and provides information, support and counselling for people under 25.

Manager Julia Bracknall said the successful application to the Community Chest will enhance the counselling service that started in July.

Community and voluntary groups across west Redcar can apply for grants of up to £1,000 from the community chest.

For more information and an application pack, contact grants officer Laura Ellison, on (01642) 444281.