CHILDREN have mapped out a brighter future for their town, through a model and music.

A year ago, youngsters from schools in the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough began thinking of how their community could be improved.

With the help of volunteers from the Hemlington Community Partnership, they devised a model of the ideal Hemlington of the Future, and thought of carols that best summed up their visions.

Twelve months on, their work has borne fruit, in the form of an 8ft-long model and a compact disc.

The model, created from glazed tiles, with the help of artist Kerry Marshall, will go on display in schools, churches, community centres and libraries, along with photographs and stories produced by the children.

The CD, which was recorded by more than 700 youngsters, will be on sale at the Initiative Centre, Hemlington Library, and local schools.