THE hoardings around Upton’s former Greenridge Pub site have been transformed by local schoolchildren.

Youngsters from Lytchett Minster and Upton, aged between four and 12, have created a rainbow mural at the site where Waypoints Care Group is building a 64-bed dementia care home.

The mural, part of the Beacon Project ‘On the Edge’, was funded with National Lottery cash and led by artist Mabel Fraser.

Waypoints Care Group managing director Andrew Baxendine said: “For years this site has been derelict but now I am sure people passing the brightly coloured mural will smile and feel better for the efforts of the young people who created it.

“Our company logo is a rainbow – and although there won’t be a crock of gold at the end of this mural, there will early next year be a first-class dementia care home and new community facilities.”

Pupils from Upton Infant and Junior Schools, and Yarrells School, designed and painted the rainbow mural with the support of mural artist Nina Camlin, art teacher William Cooper and art coordinators Becky Woods and Rachel Dominey.

Beacon Project coordinator Bekki Stalker said: “This is a fantastic and innovative way for young people to be involved with community art projects – fostering a sense of pride as well as promoting ownership and identifying with their community.

“We are very grateful to everyone who helped with the murals with special thanks to the local schools for their latest creation and to Waypoints for their valued support of the Beacon Project and community art project.”