YOUNGSTERS are on a mission to turn a dark and dingy underpass into a mini-galaxy.

Primary seven pupils at St Fillan’s Primary School, Houston, are raising cash to revamp the tunnel near their school and, in the process, educate people about outer space by painting an astronomy-themed mural on the walls.

The children regularly use the underpass to safely cross Bridge of Weir Road.

However, it has been vandalised, with lights not working, the grounds around it are overgrown and there is a lot of litter.

So the youngsters decided it was time it got a makeover and the school has now secured permission from Renfrewshire Council to go ahead with the project.

Pupils need to raise £1,250 to allow them to complete the artwork and seal up the underpass, as well as tidy and tend to the undergrowth.

Primary seven teacher Julie Degnan said: “A lot of the children spotted the underpass wasn’t very nice, so when we were thinking what we could do for our health and wellbeing project they came up with the idea of painting the underpass. The council was really helpful and has agreed to pressure wash, seal, tidy up and undercoat the underpass before we start painting.

“We thought an astronomy theme would be great and it would mean the underpass was educational, as well as being a piece of art.

“Gryffe High has offered to help with the artwork and we have got Houston Primary involved too.“We are hoping to start it later this year, but we need to focus on the fundraising at the moment.”

Pupils from St Fillan’s and Houston clubbed together last month to design the mural they want painted and also came up with the idea of doing some planting around it, which gardening group Houston Bee Happy are going to help with.

Artists from Gryffe High will assist with the initial transfer of the design on to the walls and ceiling.

To donate to the cause, see: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/revampourunderpass