Hoardings surrounding the construction site for a new community centre in Aveley have been brought to life thanks to young people taking part in a community street art project.

The programme, which was run by Aveley Village Community Forum, Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS, Beardwell Construction and Philip Melling – a professional artist based at High House Artist's Studios in Purfleet – saw young people help create a colourful mural.

Construction of the new Aveley Community Hub, which will include the village's library, a café, nursery, hall and community meeting rooms, is expected to be completed later this year. The scheme has primarily been funded by developer contributions, ensuring recent housing development in Aveley brings significant benefits to existing residents.

Deborah Huelin, Thurrock Council's portfolio holder for communities, said: "The new Aveley Community Hub will be a huge asset to the area and we hope it will bring the local community closer together, becoming a real focal point at the heart of the village.

"It was great to be able involve young people in this exciting street art project, which has showcased the creativity of young people and gets the Community Hub off to a great start.

"The colourful new hoardings look fantastic and I would like to thank all of our partners who were involved in organising and running the sessions."