YOUNGSTERS came up trumps when they were asked to help put names to the place where they live.

Pupils from Thirsk School and Sowerby primary were invited to take part in a street naming completion for roads on the new Sowerby Gateway development.

Work on the 925-home estate, which sparked controversy before being given the go-ahead by Hambleton District Council, is continuing.

The children were asked to come up with a name and reason for their suggestion for the latest phase at the project.

Themes started to come in for trees, flowers and animal names to name but a few and the suggestions were sent to developers Taylor Wimpey and Linden Homes to pick from.

Hambleton’s portfolio holder for planning, Councillor Brian Phillips, said: “The district council has the legal responsibility to ensure that all streets and properties in the Hambleton area are named and numbered correctly.

“We have a number of large planning applications coming forward across the district and coming up with innovative names is a constant challenge.

“By involving the younger members of our community, we get some fresh ideas and it gives them a sense of pride and involvement.”

Both Taylor Wimpey and Linden Homes gave prizes for the six street names to be used on these sites.

The winners were: Butterfly Close – Megan Roberts, eight, Hedgehog Close – Mia Pethen, seven, Swan Way – Charlotte Bargate, eight, Honeysuckle Way – Evie Bradford, eight, Poppy Drive – Mia Pethen, seven and Rosemary Close – Katie Louise Martin, 12.