UNIQUE artwork created by pupils from two Dudley schools to decorate hoardings surrounding a flagship development has been unveiled.

Students from Holly Hall Mathematics and Computing College and Cherry Tree Learning Centre in Dudley were invited to design artwork to brighten up the hoardings around Midland Heart’s extra care scheme in Russells Hall, just off Middlepark Road.

Twelve students from Holly Hall College created artwork reflecting the theme, Building Your Tomorrow, with the seven best designs selected for the hoardings.

At nearby Cherry Tree Learning Centre, five students worked with a professional artist from the learning programme Creative Partnerships to produce three designs.

As part of the development, Midland Heart’s contractor, William Davis, has given health and safety talks and run a safety logo design competition at the two schools.

Neil Smith, senior project manager at Midland Heart, said: “Community engagement forms a large part of the work we do during the build stages of any new development and we have been working closely with the local community to ensure they feel part of this important new scheme for Dudley.”

“This initiative has given us an opportunity to showcase the creative talents of our students and demonstrate that young people can produce work of a high quality,” added Chris Taylor, head of art and design at Holly Hall Computing College.

The Russells Hall scheme is one of five developments planned for the borough by 2015 and forms part of Dudley Council’s extra care housing strategy which highlights the need for high quality, safe accommodation.

Once complete, the 132 bed extra care scheme will provide a mix of one and two bedroom apartments for rent or sale for the area’s over 55s, and will include communal facilities such as a restaurant, shop, craft and activity suite and well-being facility.