RAINBOWS, drawings and messages of hope have been helping to keep a community's spirit up.

Pupils from St Bernadette's Primary School in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, have been creating a "wall of hope".

The wall features artwork showing the children's hopes and dreams for the future, as well as posters of appreciation for key workers and messages of support.

Headteacher Paul Conway said: “We wanted our local community to know we were thinking of them, so we initially designed some rainbows and messages to let them know we cared.

“It was so favourably received by passing residents and people who phoned in that we felt invigorated to expand the work and engaged children at school and at home in a variety of projects.

“Our school values include being loving, respectful, determined and positive and so we are proud to be serving and supporting our community in whatever way we can.

“It has been so heartening to see how our local, parish and school community can walk hand in hand through this crisis. We have significant difficulties ahead, but I have no doubt that together, we will continue to rise to the challenge.

“We will continue to provide hope for everyone in our care and try to inspire and encourage people at this difficult time. We are all one community and together we will emerge from this stronger than ever."

“If you are safely able to pass St Bernadette's on your daily exercise, please visit our Wall of Hope and see the work for yourselves.”