A community artwork project is helping to build respect in Washington.
Neighbourhood officers are working with the Safer Sunderland Partnership, the local community and school children, to give a makeover to subway artwork.
The half term community event is being held at the Blackwell Subway accessible via Drumaldrace in Blackfell on Thursday, November 1, from 1pm to 4pm.
It's part of Operation Lantern which focuses on understanding anti-social behaviour, building respect within the community and bridging relationships between younger and older generations.
During the afternoon youngsters will be able to take part in a number of activities including face painting, child friendly tattoos and help a local graffiti artist with the artwork. The new design will depict messages of community respect and improving relationships between the young and old. The Local Authority XL services are also taking part with their youth bus.
Officers from the Washington Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be available to talk to the young people and give them a helping hand with the activities.
Inspector Paul Stewart, of Washington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This event is a good way for us to spend some time with local youngsters while they're having fun and listen to their views about their community. This is a positive project which will have a lasting effect on the subway and will brighten the area up.
"It's a good example of different organisations working together to benefit the community. This will also give children something useful and enjoyable to do during their half term holiday."
Chair of the Washington Area Committee, Councillor Bernard Scaplehorn said; "We are pleased to be able to support and help fund partnership events like these, which bring people of all ages together to build an even stronger sense of community.
"The local police officers and Blackfell Neighbourhood Watch have worked very hard with us to organise these activities, and we hope people will come along to take part and enjoy themselves."
Speaking on behalf of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Henry Trueman said: "Giving young people a greater sense of community involvement helps to increase mutual understanding and respect.
"Working together we can achieve so much, and help everyone feel even more secure and comfortable with their everyday lives and surroundings."
For more information about what police are doing in Sunderland follow @NPSunderland on Twitter or like facebook.com/NPSunderland.
