Kids urged to get creative for community book bench

Youngsters are being urged to get creative to help design a new book bench to take pride of place outside their community library.

Cockerton Community and Business Group has secured funding for the new book bench via local ward councillors through the Stronger Communities Fund alongside donations and recent events organised by the group.

Competition entry forms have already been sent to schools in the Cockerton area and local youngsters, aged up to 11 years, are also invited to take part.

All you need to do is created a design, for the front and back of the bench, on one of the entry forms and then return them before the deadline of Sunday 4 August.

A panel of judges, including representatives from Darlington Libraries, Cockerton Community and Business Group and ward councillors, will choose the winning designs which will then be painted onto the bench by a local artist.

Kay Sandham, chair of the Cockerton community and Business Group, said: “We can’t wait to see the designs the children come up with and I’m sure the judges will face a difficult task.

“The input of the local community in designing the bench will hopefully make it feel more personal and specific to our lovely village and community and our residents will feel part of the project.”

Cllr Libby McCollom, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the local community and businesses in this way. It’s a great example of how our ward councillors can use the Stronger Communities Fund to make a difference, and we hope the bench will be a colourful addition to the village.

“We have several book benches in the newly refurbished Darlington Library in the town centre, which were created following a similar competition some time ago. They have been really popular and I’d encourage any of our young people looking to enter the competition to pop in to take a look to get some inspiration.”

Entry forms for the Cockerton book bench competition can be collected from Cockerton Library, Peter Lord Hairdressing, Maddison’s  Barbers and First for Flowers, where you can also return your completed designs. Alternatively you can email the Cockerton community and Business Group at [email protected]

To find out more about the fantastic range of resources at Darlington Libraries and for details of events/activities log onto the website at www.darlington.gov.uk/library or download the Darlington Library App. You can also find them on Facebook @DarlingtonLibraries or on Twitter @DarlLibs