ALTHOUGH it is just a few miles away from the party city of Newcastle, Albemarle Barracks at Harlow Hill can be a lonely place, especially for children.

For army families from all over the country who gather at Albemarle can experience the feeling of isolation.

But a new arts project called Big Dreams has been helping children overcome their loneliness.

Albemarle Barracks community development worker Lisa Robinson said: “Albemarle is a surprisingly rural army base. We are about seven miles from Newcastle, but it feels like seven thousand.

“Our families here are quite isolated. Often a child’s life consists of home, school and home again, with very little inbetween.

“The Big Dreams project has been great as it has broadened the children’s horizons and really made the best of their time here in the North-East.”

Artists from the charity Helix Arts have been working with the children to create their dream pieces of work using textiles, wood, plastic and wire.

The young people were taken on visits to Northern Print and Ouseburn Farm to inspire them.

Big Dreams received funding from Awards for All. Children who take part are helped to complete their arts award qualifications.