Hatherop Park now has a fascinating new attraction - a public art trail.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 31st Jul 2006

The result of collaboration between Richmond Council's Arts Service, Parks and Open Spaces Department and Hampton residents, it has been hailed as a "fantastic project" by the Council's arts chief. The 'Hot Spots' trail, to be officially launched this weekend, consists of a series of spinning markers displaying digitally re-mastered photographs of the park and surrounding area, printed on transparent acetate.

Designed by artist Sam Haynes and co-ordinated by the Council's Arts Service at Orleans House Gallery, the project involved input from more than 100 local people. Hampton Junior School, Hampton Youth Project, Hampton Community College, people from the nearby travellers' site and local families contributed photographs, drawings and ideas for the trail during a series of workshops and family fun days.

Cllr John Coombs, Richmond's Cabinet Member for the Arts, said:

"This fantastic project gave Hampton residents a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of their local park. The final artwork is based upon their ideas and contains samples of work produced by people of all ages from across the community. Congratulations to everyone involved. I hope residents will take away good memories of their involvement in the project and be proud of their efforts."

Work on the 'Hot Spots' public art trail began in February. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Celia Hodges, will formally launch it on Saturday, 5 August at 3pm.

An accompanying exhibition telling the story of 'Hot Spots' is on show at Hampton Library until the end of August.