Budding young artists have put their talents to good use after being invited to brighten up a building site at York racecourse.

The youngsters from Millthorpe and Knavesmire Primary Schools have created a giant mural on hoardings which cover major redevelopment work on Knavesmire.

Nick Johnson of York Races said: “It certainly brightens up the site and captures the excitement of horseracing. It was a pleasure to be involved with the pupils and their teachers as they worked on the project and it was a real treat to witness their delight at seeing their work on display.

Neil Coote, of main contractors Lindum, said: “I’m amazed by the standard of the work, I can't believe that children aged as young as nine could have produced it . Our lads have been smiling as they pass by and it cheers up the site and reminds us what we are building it for, the horses.”

The hoardings are the boundary of the construction site for the northern-end development at the racecourse. The first phase, including a new pre-parade ring and new saddling boxes is scheduled to open for the new season next year.