New mural celebrates town's mining heritage

The mural is on the side of East Stanley Working Men’s Club

Youngsters have painted a mural to honour a town's mining heritage.

Members of Durham County Council's Youth Council worked with spray paint artist Lewis Hobson to create a piece of public art in Stanley.

They were inspired to produce something special for the community after seeing Mr Hobson's work during a visit to Spennymoor Art Festival last year.

The final piece of art was inspired by Stanley’s locally renowned Leek Show, which is hosted by East Stanley Working Men's Club and links back to the area's mining past.

The club agreed for the side of its building to be used for the project.

During a series of artist-led workshops, the group gave spray painting a go and discussed the difference between public art and illegal graffiti.

'Dedication and organisation'

Speaking at the unveiling of the art work, Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s member for children and young people’s services, heaped praise upon the group.

He said: "I am incredibly proud of our youth council, and the dedication and organisation they have shown in putting together this project and delivering it for Stanley.

"It is a brilliant example of the contribution young people make and how, by bringing residents and organisations together, we can create things that are truly meaningful for the community and the people that live in it."

The youth council also received help from teenagers at North Durham Academy.

The council hopes to continue the project and create a new piece of art in a different area of County Durham next year, involving another group of young people.