A GROUP of teens came together to help brighten up a route used regularly by pedestrians.

The teens gave a drab underpass in St Michaels Road, Hitchin, a new lease of life by painting its walls with a colourful mural.

It was part of a project by the National Citizen Service, set up by the Government to develop teamwork and leadership skills and engage young people in the community.

A four week course is run by the service, and culminates in a project which benefits the community.

North Herts District Council’s (NHDC) community development team and the Highways Agency have supported the campaign.

Cllr Tony Hunter, NHDC’s portfolio holder for community engagement, said: “The local young people who designed and painted the mural have turned an ordinary and plain underpass into a piece of artwork that can be appreciated by the whole community.

“A number of agencies have worked in partnership to turn this community project into a reality with a great outcome. Thank you to everyone involved in the project.”

The Highways Agency will now seal the new artwork with anti-graffiti coating to ensure it cannot be vandalised.