SHELTERS at Ledbury's rec have been given a new look in a bid to deter would-be vandals from defacing them.

The shelters at the Recreation Ground in Orchard Lane have been specially painted by Tim Martin and Jack Steger, a pair of artists from Worcester, brought in by Ledbury Town Council to refresh them.

The new design features characters and artwork and was contributed to by pupils at John Masefield and Ledbury Primary School.

A spokesperson for the council said: "Members of the environment and leisure committee asked students of all ages from John Masefield and Ledbury Primary School to create a drawing that they would like to see on the shelter.

"The Council were overwhelmed with the response that they had received and the talented artwork that had been submitted by the schools.

Ledbury Reporter: READY: The newly-decorated shelter at Ledbury Rec. Pic. Tim MartinREADY: The newly-decorated shelter at Ledbury Rec. Pic. Tim Martin (Image: NQ)

"After a very difficult decision, members picked six posters that they felt would revamp the shelter and create a fun space for the youth and families of Ledbury."

The inside of the shelter will also be repaired and both surfaces will be coated in anti-vandal paint to deter such behaviour in the future.

The spokesperson added: "Ledbury Town Council would like to thank Tim and Jack, graffiti artists from Worcester, for their amazing work to the exterior of the shelter at the Rec.

"The designs for the shelter were provided by local children and have been incorporated into the final design.

Ledbury Reporter: FUN: The painting was inspired by local schoolchildren. Pic. Tim MartinFUN: The painting was inspired by local schoolchildren. Pic. Tim Martin (Image: NQ)

"The recreation ground offers families a place to retreat in which you can enjoy various leisure pursuits or simply relax and take some fresh air.

"There is also a skatepark and outdoor gym to visit and explore - suitable for different ages."

Earlier this year, a raft of improvements were announced in a bid to improve the Recreation Ground and better meet the needs of its users.

Along with the shelters, the zip wire and a cradle swing were to be replaced, as well as new wetpour surfaces around some of the equipment and repairs to some of the outdoor gym equipment.