SCHOOL pupils are being asked to brighten up Crewe's Covid-19 testing site.

Public health officials want to make the marquee, based on Chester Street car park, less intimidating to younger children who need to get tested on the site.

They want to place colourful and creative art work on the temporary structure's empty walls and are inviting schools to submit A4 and A3 sized work from their classes.

Cllr Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for public health, said: "We invite local schools to get involved and create pictures to fill the empty walls of the site. This could be rainbows, bright patterns and pictures or positive messages of support for anyone going to the site to get tested.

"For younger children getting a Covid-19 test may be quite a daunting experience, so we are hoping that colourful and interesting artwork will be a welcome distraction and create a more welcoming feel to the site.

The site, the second largest facility in the North West, opened earlier this month and offers bespoke walk-through appointments ensuring better access for those without access to a car or who should not be using public transport because they have symptoms.

With 19 testing pods available the site has the capacity to carry out 500 tests a day.

Cheshire East Council says there is no cut-off date for the submission of the pictures. Due to the nature of where they will be displayed they will need to refresh the art work frequently, so schools are being encouraged to get involved.

The artwork can either be scanned or photographed and emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at the reception at Cheshire East's offices at Delamere House in Delamere Street.

It must be laminated for disinfection purposes and items will not be returned after being used on display.