A PRIMARY school has celebrated the success of an arts project inspired by the transformation of the former Northallerton Prison site with a special assembly and parade.

Pupils from Mill Hill Community Primary School in Northallerton created a giant bird sculpture – with each child making a special feather – which was unveiled at a celebration event for the whole school, parents and guests.

The project was led by artist Karen Andrew and supported by Wykeland Group and Hambleton District Council who are working together on the redevelopment of the former Northallerton Prison site, almost next door to Mill Hill School.

Rebecca Bainbridge, headteacher, said: “This project has offered a range of wonderful experiences which have developed the children in our school as individuals, as part of a group, and as a whole.

“This project has allowed us to flourish and every child and adult within the school has gained something special from their involvement.”

The school project is linked to the £17m Treadmills scheme which will see new retail units, restaurants, a cinema, offices and a new civic square on the former Northallerton Prison site.

The project is being delivered by the Central Northallerton Development Company (CNDC), a joint venture between the district council and Wykeland.

Jonathan Stubbs, development director of Wykeland, said it was "wonderful" to see the children so inspired by the project.