YOUNG people from Bemerton Heath have been using their creative skills to brighten up the estate as it emerges from lockdown.

Youth charity Rise:61 secured a £500 grant from the Tesco community grants programme to help communities impacted by Covid-19.

The money was used to buy paint tools and materials to create some works of art and raised beds that would brighten up a disused car park.

Robin Imeson, the director of Rise:61 said: "It was great to finally be able to meet together again and give them the chance to use their energy and creativity to improve the wonderful estate we live on.

"We hope every person who sees them is inspired to think positively and if we work together I'm sure this is only the start of what we can achieve to make Bemerton heath an even better place to live in this post lockdown world."

The young people involved were selected from the after school 'Life group' the charity runs on Monday nights during term time.

The group moved online from March to June due to lockdown but in July, when government restrictions allowed, small groups came together to paint the mural.

The first was of a rainbow to say thank you to all the key workers. Volunteer Gemma Ratsey designed and painted a mountains mural and was helped by her friend Rai Taylor and brother Joe.

The lion mural was designed by local younster Jason and painted by art teacher Sam Redmil. 

Jason said it was "good how everyone worked together and managed to pull this off". 

The Life Group gives the children opportunities to do arts and crafts activities each week as well as share a nutritious meal.

During the lockdown the young people were encouraged to keep their creativity going as Rise:61 provided them with "Lockdown Survival Kits" which included arts and crafts boxes generously donated by the Wiltshire Scrapstore and toys and games from Tesco.

The groups of young people involved have been limited to six individuals so far and measures to keep them safe were implemented like hand washing and maintaining social distancing.

To find out more about Rise:61 or make a donation to support its work go to rise61.org.