A RUN-DOWN Kidderminster bridge on a main road into the town is getting a facelift thanks to imaginative college students.

Two designs by art students at Kidderminster College have been chosen to revamp the railway bridge on Comberton Hill after a campaign by Wyre Forest MP David Lock. Racheal Hale and James Cook show off their competition wining designs for Comberton Hill railway bridge.

The new look for the bridge, which should be in place after Easter, is sure to come as a boost to the town ahead of the Shuttle/Times & News' clean-up campaign with Wyre Forest District Council, which will launch this month.

Mr Lock had been urging Railtrack to do something about the chipped and flaking paintwork on the bridge after being approached by disgruntled residents and traders.

And Railtrack agreed to sponsor the students, who consulted townsfolk about possible designs, to give the bridge a new image.

James Cook, 17, and 18-year-old Racheal Hale came up with the winning designs which will adorn either side of the bridge.

All the students involved in the project will help paint the winning designs onto the bridge.

College art lecturer Mike Flight said: "The town is awakening to its past, its future and the role that art can play in the community."

Mr Lock said: "This is a great victory for the local community. The bridge is a gateway to Kidderminster and one of the first things people see upon entering.

"Its poor condition and drab image send out the wrong message to visitors."