A school in Wakefield has been learning important safety messages with the help of Northern Gas Networks’ community artist.

Students from Mackie Hill Junior and Infant School have been working with Mick Hand, Community Artist at Northern Gas Networks (NGN) to produce a mural which has been printed on one of NGN’s vans.

The mural was designed by pupils after they took part in an NGN Play Safe workshop aimed to educate them on the dangers of playing near roadworks.

Earlier this year, NGN began a £250,000 investment to replace around 900m of ageing metal gas mains in the Sandal area of Wakefield with more durable plastic pipes as part of the company’s ongoing development of infrastructure across the north of England. The work was completed in early November.

Warren Iveson, construction services area manager from Northern Gas Networks, said: “We’ve been investing heavily in the underground pipe network in the Wakefield area. The new infrastructure will ensure that our customers continue to benefit from a safe and reliable gas supply for years to come, but we wanted our legacy to extend beyond the pipes that we put in the ground.

“Building lasting relationships with the communities we work in is very important to us, so we’re really pleased the school has worked with Mick to learn about site safety and produce this brilliant mural.”

Mrs Barker, headteacher at Mackie Hill Junior and Infant School, said: “It has been wonderful to work with Northern Gas Networks. Our children have enjoyed creating this beautiful mural whilst learning about key safety messages. The students felt very proud to see their work displayed on site in Sandal and I know they’re looking forward to seeing the van showing their artwork as it drives around the area!”

Warren added, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their patience and support throughout the project. We are holding a feedback session for members of the public at Sandal RUFC on Tuesday 17 November from 4-6pm, to help us understand what we did well and how we can improve in the future.”

If you’re interested in NGN’s Play Safe workshops, please email education@northerngasnetworks.co.uk

Anyone that smells gas or suspects Carbon Monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.