ST WOOLOS Primary School pupils made their mark on Friar's Walk when they painted some of the hoardings last week.

Around 24 pupils from years four and five got involved in painting flowers onto the wooden hoardings of the the city’s major redevelopment.which currently surround work at the back of BHS in the city centre.

It forms part of the school’s geography project on the impact of local businesses when Friars' Walk opens.

Head teacher Heather Vaughan said: “Year four and five pupils have previously interviewed Mr Vacara, Tracey Padden from Newport Library, Tracey Trevelyan from BHS and also Simon Pullen who is the operations manager for Queensbury Real Estate.

“The shopping centre will have a huge impact on the lives of the people living and working in Newport and we felt that as part of our geography work, it was important for children to understand the broader implications.”

Tony Rides, project manager for Bowmer and Kirkland, has also visited the school to give safety talks and has speak to Year 6 pupils about his job as part of the school’s Aspirations Project.

After seeing a similar project involving school children in Bristol, Mr Rides contacted the school to involve the children in painting the hoardings.

The children were provided with brushes and safety goggles by Friars Walk who has painted the background of the five meter long wooden boards blue and green.

“We have a great time over all,” Mrs Vaughn said.

“The sun was shining and it was a really nice thing to do.”

The children have also been asked to be a part of the opening ceremony of the development where they will sing.