HARTBURN Primary School pupils made a trip into Stockton last week to find out about the Town Centre’s multimillion pound transformation and fascinating history.
Over two days, 150 Year Four and Year Five children came to Stockton’s Rediscover Shop where they were met by the Rediscover Team.
After listening to an educational talk about the town’s transformation, the pupils watched a special time-lapse video which showed the works underway. The youngsters also got an update about the Positively Stockton-on-Tees campaign.
The tour saw the pupils take in some of the Town Centre’s new features such as the fountain and the plinth as well as dipping into Stockton’s historic past at John Walker Square and Green Dragon Yard. The young people also visited the riverside to take in the views, visit the Borough’s iconic Infinity Bridge and Tees Barrage International White Water Centre where they enjoyed a picnic lunch overlooking the river.
Also part of the youngster’s programme was a visit to Stockton Parish Church and its cenotaph, the oldest building in the town on Finkle Street and the statue of John Walker in the Castlegate Shopping Centre.
When they return to their classrooms the pupils will be taking part in a competition to design a postcard inspired by their visit. The winning entry from each class will be professionally printed so the children can send it to their friends and family from further afield to encourage them to rediscover Stockton Town Centre.
Richard McGuckin, Stockton Council’s Head of Economic Growth and Development, said: “These tours are available to any school, club or community group so get in touch if you are interested in exploring the Town Centre with the Rediscover Team.
“The new fountain is just one of many improvements and is proving a real centrepiece in the regenerated Stockton High Street. It’s fantastic to see families and young people making the most of the new-look Town Centre and enjoying themselves.”
Any other schools or community groups wishing to visit Stockton and take a town tour with the Rediscover Stockton Team can contact Rediscover shop on 01642 528130 or email rediscoverstockton@stockton.gov.uk
Joanne Brown, teacher at Hartburn Primary School, said: “The children really enjoyed the visit. They have remembered lots of interesting facts and have been writing about their experience.
“The staff at Rediscover Stockton were extremely enthusiastic and made the visit a pleasure.”