Children's art takes shoppers on journey through Hartlepool's rich maritime history

Shoppers to Middleton Grange shopping centre have been encouraged to find and follow 15 stained glass windows, each featuring a different Hartlepool scene.

Youngsters from Stranton, Ward Jackson and Lynnfield primary schools created the works of art during half term this week.

Mark Rycraft, centre manager of Middleton Grange explained: “This term we hosted workshops in the schools, and the results have exceeded our expectations.

“Each one of the images is beautiful and it’s also great that they highlight and help us all remember Hartlepool’s wonderful maritime heritage and history.

“We’re sure that shoppers old and young will enjoy finding all of the images that are dotted around the centre as a part of our half-term maritime history trail.

“I would like to thank all of the schools for taking part in the project and look forward to working with them again soon.”

To launch the trail, the centre hosted free art workshops and a storytelling sailor, who guided the children around the centre to see the trail and regaled them with stories of Hartlepool’s maritime history.

Images include the Bombardment of Hartlepool on December 16, 1914, and the a tank ‘won’ by the town for being the community that raised the most money for the war effort – an amazing £2.3million.

Christine Mullen, from Stranton Primary School, added: “The children all really enjoyed working with the artists in the classroom and creating the stained glass windows.

“Linking each one to a historical event in Hartlepool’s past was great as it helped the children learn more about their town as well as enjoy the arts workshop.”

The trail is on display until tomorrow.