JULIE Cankett and her boyfriend have only lived on Newport's Bettws estate for six months, but they have already made a big impression.

The couple, from Monnow Way, have managed to get most of their neighbours involved in painting the council flats bright colours to make them more attractive.

And their next mission is to enter Bettws in Bloom.

Ms Cankett, aged 24, said: "It was terrible when we came here. The walls were a dingy pink colour, with writing and blood over them.

"There was graffiti everywhere, and it stank, and when I walked past with my four-year-old son, Lee, he would ask: 'What does that say on the wall, Mum?'"

She said her boyfriend, Leroy Brock, knew someone who worked for a paint company which had to get rid of 40,000 gallons of paint, and they all decided to chip in and put it to good use.

"We got everyone together and we're painting the walls bright yellow, the doors blue and the numbers red.

"The floors are black, the railings are blue and red, and the stairs are grey.

"We started last Thursday or Friday and we've nearly finished the top. We are starting on the bottom flats now.

"We want to put a park in the courtyard for the youngsters, plant flowers and put up some hanging baskets.

"We didn't know anybody here last year, and now we know everyone on the block."

Bettws councillor Noel Trigg said: "Here are people who are not sitting down moaning all the time, but having a go. They need a pat on the back.

"I was very impressed with what they've done and members of Bettws in Bloom have been up there now and are going to support them and advise on what flowers to get.

"It's tremendous, and it would be lovely if more people took a leaf out of their book."

* In the picture: Residents sprucing up flats in Monnow Way, Newport