Thanks to a generous grant from the Pears Foundation and Leeds Community Foundation, Hirst Wood Regeneration Group and Saltaire Primary School are able to reveal their latest joint project - brightening up the drab exterior of 62 Saltaire Road. On one of the main routes through Shipley, this has been something of an eyesore lately but that is about to change as the pupils produce a series of paintings, based on local scenes, to grace the outside of the building. A grant from Community Chest enabled the project to get started with some work in  the half term holiday and the new grant, along with support from Manor Coating Systems, means it can now go full steam ahead. Local Green councillor, Kevin Warnes said: “I think it’s a brilliant idea. Saltaire Primary School did such a great job with their painting at Hirst Lock that I can’t wait to see how they will tranform this building and brighten things up for everyone who passes.”

Putting a smile back on to the face of

In announcing their grant, the panel of the Pears Youth Fund, said: “The panel liked that this was a modest request for a  time-limited activity which will have a lasting impact. “The geographical area was recognised as one which has needs and is underfunded. “The panel also appreciated the focus on younger children."

Saltaire Primary School head teacher, Sally Stoker, said: “We are all very excited by this project. “It will give the children another chance to contribute to their local community. “And it will give more people from the community the opportunity to see what our children can achieve. “We have received many compliments about the work we have done with Hirst Wood Regeneration Group and we are delighted that so many people have enjoyed it.”