PUPILS at a Hucknall school have been involved in the design of a new footbridge built over a rail and tram crossing where five people have died.
Broomhill Junior School, in Broomhill Road, was invited by construction business Murphy Group and Network Rail to get involved with the work following the death of former student Mikey Dawson at the crossing in 2008.
Mikey, aged six, and his grandmother, Jean Hoggart, died after being hit by a train on the Moor Road level crossing in Bestwood Village.
Headteacher Andrew Beckinsale-Yates said: "Although it is too late to help Mikey, at least that tragedy will never happen again. This project was important for us to get involved with."
Schoolchildren were invited to create leaf-shaped patterns, alongside a designer, which were later incorporated into the final design of the bridge walkway.
Amber Harrison, aged ten, said: "It was fun because you got to make it nice and colourful. I did lots of swirls and used lots of different greens. I'm happy I designed a bit of the bridge, I really want to see it."
Kyle Kendrick, 11, said he has already caught a glimpse of the final artwork.
Kyle said: "It was fun. I did spots and swirls and got creative. I have already seen the bridge, it has lots of leaves across the sides. It looks nice."
The £1.5m bridge was officially opened to the public on October 18.
Residents had been calling for a bridge to be put into place since 13-year-old Lindsey Inger died after being hit by a tram at the crossing in 2012.
Lindsey's family have also been involved in the artwork for the new bridge.
To say thank you for contributing to the design, Murphy Group and Network Rail have presented the school with a cheque for £1,000.
Mr Beckinsale-Yates said the money will be spent on a double-decker bus which will be personalised into a private space for meetings, art therapy and counselling sessions.
Hannah Bradbury, of Murphy Group, said: "The designer took all the leaves and took elements from each one to create the final design. We also heard about the school wanting to turn a bus into a meeting place and we thought it seemed like a worthwhile project.
"We know the money will be put to good use."
Mr Beckinsale-Yates added: "£1,000 is a significant amount for a school. It is fantastic we have been given this cheque. It is really exciting."
It is hoped the new multi-purpose bus will be up and running by next summer.
