Pupils from Hudson Road Primary School are beaming with pride at seeing their work displayed for all to see in Sunderland.

The Year 5 and 6 children have been working on an art project led by regeneration company Sunderland arc, using the space around them as inspiration.

Working with arts in education agency Infinite Arts, they have produced lively pictures of their favourite places in Sunderland, which are now on display on hoardings around Holmeside in Park Lane – one of the arc's key regeneration sites.

The artwork is intended to give the area a funky look as it waits for a multimillion pound overhaul to transform it into one of the North East's premier shopping centres.

Helen Campbell, operations director at Sunderland arc, said: "It's fantastic to see the children's work on display in such a prominent part of the city centre where lots of people will be able to appreciate it.

"We want to encourage youngsters to stay in Sunderland and be part of its success.

"This project has given schoolchildren the opportunity to find out more about regeneration schemes such as Holmeside and the benefits they will bring, as well as encouraging them to think about the importance of communities and take pride in their city."

The art project follows news that an agreement has now been signed with the arc's appointed developer Thornfield Properties, to bring forward a £180million retail scheme at the site, which could create 1,700 jobs.

In the lead up to the hoardings display, Hudson Road pupils had their work exhibited at a gallery in Sunniside's new arts and business centre, thePlace, earlier this year.

The project has been supported by the Homes and Communities Agency and Sunderland City Council with help from Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.