A group of 25 children and adults made mock-ups for the spectacular metalwork which will be erected at the John O'Gaunts Estate.

They worked in clay and cardboard with Yorkshire artist Chris Campbell who is now fabricating the finished work in metal.

His design incorporates images from the past, present and future of Rothwell such as the mines and trains and makes references to Rothwell Country Park, which was landscaped from the spoils of the old mines.
Workshop

Natalie Carritt, mother of Morgan, 10, and twins Matthew and Chloe-Anne, eight, who took part in the workshop, said: "The kids loved it and it gave them something to do."

Aire Valley Homes, which is the body responsible for 15,000 homes in South and South East Leeds gave £18,000 to the Groundwork Leeds project.

John Kerry, community co-ordinator of national charity Groundwork which part funded the project, said the workshop was a wonderful example of young and old coming together to work for the benefit of the whole
community.

"We have been working with the John O'Gaunts Tenants and Residents Association for the past two years. Out of an Environment Week we ran we formed a master plan to clean up the estate and consult with local
people.

"With this project we have been working hard to ensure that the young people are involved."

Mr Kerry said the idea behind the project was to give the estate a
sense of identity and make both the estate and Rothwell Country Park recognisable.

Past projects have included planters, a play area and improvements to the Rose Lund Community Centre managed in a partnership between Groundwork, Aire Valley Homes and the John O'Gaunts Tenants and Residents Association and other community groups such as John O'Gaunts in Bloom.

Mr Kerry added: "We have worked closely with Aire Valley Homes on a number of projects in Rothwell and the surrounding areas. Its financial assistance has been invaluable in supporting us to achieve our shared goal of improving the lives and prospects of people living on some of the most difficult estates in South Leeds."