The Cockerton Community and Business Group ran a competition for youngsters to design the bench after getting funds from ward councillors and their own events.
Judges, including representatives from Darlington Libraries, Cockerton Community and Business Group, and ward councillors, decided to combine elements from several entries.
(Back, Middle) Lisa House, artist, with some of the children whose ideas feature in the design, and (Front, L to R) Neil Johnson, Steve Harker and Jan Cossins, ward councillors (Image: Supplied) The chosen designs came from children at St Mary’s, Mount Pleasant, Holy Family, and St Bede’s schools.
Lisa House, an artist from the area, created the bench featuring rainbows, stars, books, and Cockerton Green.
Kay Sandham, chair of the Cockerton Community and Business Group, said: “We were blown away by the number of entries and the ideas of the children.
“Our children have amazing imaginations and their kind and caring attitude to the world and their local environment shone through.
“We did create a shortlist of 16 and took elements from each of those designs, as there were just too many good ideas to choose a single one.”
Councillor Steve Harker, leader of Darlington Borough Council and local ward councillor, said: “The children were so excited to see how their wonderful ideas had been included in the artwork.
“The bench is absolutely fantastic.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a colourful addition to the village.
“It’s been a great community project and is a wonderful example of how we as ward councillors can use the Stronger Communities Fund to make a difference.”
The bench, currently inside Cockerton Library, will be placed outside when the weather improves.