PUPILS pulled out their sketch pads and pencils to help kick-start a project to brighten up Worcester’s riverside.

Children in year five at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School, St John’s, spent time sketching their observations and experiences along the walking and cycling route between Worcester Bridge and the new Diglis Bridge.

The drawings will be used to help artist Rob Colbourne create a new artwork depicting the area along the riverbank as part of the Twenty Feet to an Inch project, devised in partnership with UK charity Sustrans.

On Sunday, members of the public played their part in the project by choosing one of 275 numbered points along the path and sketching what they see.

Katy Hallett, Sustrans’ art and the travelling landscape director, said: “Workshops with community groups and pupils have taken place to explore this important area and to take people in the footsteps of Worcester’s most famous landscape painter, Benjamin Williams Leader.

“The final artwork will reflect what the area means to local people. You don’t have to be an artist to contribute.

We want everyone’s thoughts and ideas.”

The river bank is part of National Cycle Network route 46 where the Diglis Bridge and many other improvements, funded by the Big Lottery, Sustrans, Worcester City and Worcestershire County Councils, opened last summer, completing the riverside loop for walkers and cyclists.

Mr Colbourne is leading walks every Thursday and Friday along the riverbank until the end of April.

For more details, call Katy Hallett on 01179 150221 or email katy.hallett@sustrans- .org.uk.

The project is supported by Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council, Sustrans Connect2 and Arts Council England.