YOUNG creative volunteers have been working hard to restore the Northumberland Heath pavilion mural to its former glory.

Eight youngsters from the Danson Youth Centre, in Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, worked with Northumberland Heath Streetwork Project artists to restore and update the paintings for Bexley Council improvements.

The volunteers spent a week planning, designing and painting the mural.

It was first painted in 2007. Now it features paintings involving cricket, tennis, bowls, basketball, football, rugby and hockey.

The project was a joint venture between Bexley's Sport and Leisure Team and Bexley's Integrated Youth Service.

One volunteer, Jake Pavey, 11, said: "It was great to be able to take part in a community project and say ‘I helped to make that’.

“It was beneficial for me as I love art and would like to become an artist."

His sister Maia Pavey, said: "Helping paint the mural was a great opportunity to socialise and learn a new skill.

“It was fun to have something different to do after school and I hope that I can repeat the experience."

Other young artists involved in the project were Bradon Parr, 11, Billy Bradford, 13 and Sam Schoeffer, 13, from the Falconwood Streetwork Project.

Bexley Youth Council member and local resident, Monica Dosanjh, 14, and Yasmine Johnson, 14, from the Northumberland Heath Streetwork Project also took part.

Cabinet member for Sport and Leisure at Bexley Council, Councillor Don Massey, said: "We have spent £200,000 refurbishing the 1970s pavilion at Northumberland Heath, helping to reduce its energy costs and carbon footprint.

“It is fantastic we have been able to engage the talents of these young people to add an exciting touch of vibrancy to the building.

“I understand there were lots of positive comments from visitors to the park while the work was taking place."

The work was aimed at livening up the recreation ground and discourage graffiti artists from defacing it.