SNAP-HAPPY children have helped put a heritage site in the picture as part of an inspirational project aimed at transforming their lives.

The 16 youngsters have spent the past year photographing and drawing Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, as part of a pilot scheme aimed at helping young people find their voice through the power of the creative arts.

The seven and eight-year-olds from St John’s CofE Primary School, in Shildon, are to have their artistic endeavours brought to a wider audience with the opening of a special exhibition.

About 80 pictures and photographs featuring Auckland Castle as seen through the eyes of the children are in the display.

It is the culmination of the year-long experimental Children Hidden Harm Intervention and Recovery Project (CHIRP) commissioned by Durham County Council in partnership with the Auckland Castle Trust and Durham Alliance for Community Care.

Grace English, Auckland Castle’s education and outreach officer who has been working with the group, said: “What the group has been doing is fun, but having worked with them for the past year I have seen how art and photography can have a life changing effect on children who through circumstances out of their control may be shy, reserved and under-confident.

“Armed with a camera or a paint brush I have seen how given free rein to express yourself imaginatively can unlock your confidence and self-esteem and raise your aspirations.

“I hope this exhibition inspires people to look at how they can support all children to have a voice and make County Durham a better place to grow up in.”

A book featuring the children’s work is planned and following the success of the pilot project, it is hoped CHIRP will be rolled out to other heritage venues and schools around County Durham.

The inaugural CHIRP Art and Photography Exhibition will be on public display in Auckland Castle’s ante-chapel until Monday, September 15.