Pupils team up with artist for steelworks mural

Schoolchildren have helped to create a mural showcasing a town's industrial heritage.

Pupils from Mo Mowlam Academy, in Redcar, joined forces with a street artist known as ZX8BIT, whose pixel-style work - recalling the graphics of 1980s and 90s computer games - has appeared across Teesside.

Teacher Carla Hindle said everyone had been "buzzing" about the commissioned project, which depicts the town's now-demolished steelworks.

It has been put on a wall near Redcar Station with the landowner's consent.

The academy's pupils have social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

"One evening, I messaged the artist and asked if he wanted to work with the students," Hindle said.

"He responded and came in the next week.

"The children have been buzzing and I have as well. They feel listened to.

"The students sometimes feel a bit forgotten in the community, but they're actually part of it and a really important part of it."

The partnership has also seen a mural created on a corridor in the school.

ZX8BIT said: "It's been a great experience for me.

"A lot of what I do is to try and inspire anyone of any age, but certainly the youth.

"I think art is a valuable tool for inspiring people. Creativity is the key to life for many people."

A further mural designed with the children is set to appear on Redcar seafront.

Pupil Sophia, 13, said: "I feel I can express myself in art more than I can talking to people."

Classmate Leyton, 14, added: "It makes you feel proud of what we've made in public and having a chance to put our work in public."

Riley, 14, said: "It's quite exceptional. It brought everyone in the school together to do a piece of work to help the community."

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