A STUNNING mural has lit up a darkened corner of one of the city's troubled estates, thanks to the children who live there.

The youngsters of Flora Court in Stonehouse donned overalls and took up brushes and rollers to create a brilliantly coloured mural during the half term holidays.

With the guidance of local artists Jon Lilly and Scott Daniels, the youngsters designed and painted the large mural which includes Smeaton's Tower, sailing ships, Plymouth Sound and Drake's Island.

After painting during both rain and shine it was finally unveiled by Lord Mayor Brian Vincent and Plymouth Argyle reserves player Yoann Folly, who handed the youngsters a signed Argyle football.

The Lord Mayor spoke passionately about the need for local young people to lead such projects, saying it was vital for youngsters to be allowed to take charge of such projects.

He said: "In my area of Efford the local kids painted a mural on a gas substation in around 1998.

"It hasn't been touched or vandalised since because it's the kids mural. I believe you can come back to this spot in five or ten years and it will still be here, because the children themselves will look after it, because it's theirs.

"You have to let them lead the way, allow them to make their own decisions and not just make decisions for them."

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The mural came about as part of the Stonehouse Dreamscheme initiative, part of the Partnership Talents scheme, brainchild of the city's top police officer, Chief Supt Jim Webster.

Agnes Cioffi, community initiative worker for the Plymouth Federation of Tenants and Residents Association, helped form Stonehouse Dreamscheme which sees the youngsters carry out community-based projects in return for trips and activities.

She said the scheme – which is aided by the Youth Service, Plymouth City Council housing department, police and the Neighbourhood Management Team – offered youngsters valuable experiences.

She said: "At one stage the kids went to resident's meeting to present their idea about the wall. It was very difficult and unnerving experience for them, but they presented the scheme well.

"The Stonehouse Dreamscheme has been running since Christmas and the youngsters have learned about building relationships with people and organisations and how that benefits you.

"They've had positive opportunities, so its not just about earning points but how they spend it.

"The mural was one of the best things I've ever been involved with. It was incredible and everyone was quite emotional by the end.

"The most important thing is they've shown they can lead the project, do the design, do the work, see the finished project.

"No-one has led them, they've done it themselves. It's been a success because it's been led by them."