Murals painted to celebrate Rugby's heritage

Depicted are William Webb Ellis, inventor of the turbojet engine Sir Frank Whittle, poet Rupert Brook and Rugby School headmaster and historian Thomas Arnold

Murals have been painted on a bridge as part of a project to upgrade a former railway line.

Images depicting famous people from Rugby, the Central Station building, the Houlton transmission station and local wildlife have been painted on Hillmorton Road Bridge.

It marks the end of Rugby Rotary Club's four-year-year project to upgrade a 1.2km section of The Great Central Way.

Those behind the plans said they have been "well received".

The route ceased use as a railway in 1965 when Rugby Central Station was also demolished.

The project has helped increase insect and bird life in the area, Rugby Rotary Club said

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust maintains the section south of Hillmorton Road but they do not have the resources to manage the northern section, the rotary club said.

The upgrade project has been in collaboration with Rugby Borough Council and the wildlife trust.

The artworks were created by graffiti artists and twin brothers Nicolo and Stefano Suglich, and took almost two weeks across a 25m (28ft) stretch of bridge.

Those depicted include the inventor of the game of rugby, William Webb Ellis; inventor of the turbojet engine Sir Frank Whittle; poet Rupert Brook and Rugby School headmaster and historian Thomas Arnold.

Nicolo Suglich, left, is behind the artworks as part of the project led by Rugby Rotary club, including Laurence Wilbraham

"The reaction from the Rugby community and all the people that were walking past it, has been really positive," Nicolo Suglich said.

As part of the work along the former railway line between Hillmorton Road and Abbey Street, three benches were installed.

There has also been work to remove invasive vegetation, which has allowed native flowers to grow and increased insect and bird life in the area.

Rugby Rotarian and project leader Laurence Wilbraham said: "Walkers and cyclists have been very complimentary regarding the work which the club has carried out and we are very pleased that it has been so well received."