CHILDREN are being challenged to think imaginatively about Halton’s new bridge and road project.

Construction consortium Merseylink is launching a creative arts programme for primary schools.

There will be three themes related to the Mersey Gateway bridge.

These are Halton's natural environment, bridge design and construction, and local history.

Professional artists will work with pupils in music, visual arts, drama, dance or creative writing.

This could involve making textiles, composing songs, creating sculptures, film making, or performing short plays or dance pieces.

Halton Council's arts development officer Louise Hesketh said: "This is a great opportunity for primary school pupils and their teachers to get involved with such an iconic project.

“Working with professional artists and creating new work celebrating the bridge will result in some exciting and uniquely creative art works and performances."

The work will then be displayed, exhibited or performed in Halton.

Four primary schools have already joined the scheme and start work with artists on their creative projects this term.

St Martin's Catholic Primary School, Beechwood Primary School and St Clement's Catholic Primary School have chosen visual arts projects, while Weston Primary School will be making a film.

All 55 primary schools in Halton are being encouraged to join in the programme, which is subsidised by Merseylink and the Accent Music Education Hub.

Merseylink's employment and skills coordinator, Neil Wilcock, said: "This is a brilliant way for primary schools to be inspired by their new bridge. “We want to encourage children to develop a piece of art, which is fun, creative, and something that will capture their imagination.

“These art forms will be used to tell the story of the bridge and showcased throughout Halton."

Creative Connections will run for two years until autumn 2017 when the new bridge opens, and primary schools can take part at any point during this time.

Schools wishing to register can contact Louise Hesketh on 0151 511 8194 or email louise.hesketh@halton.gov.uk.