Oswestry mural is on the right tracks

A huge mural of a steam train painted on the side of a building in Oswestry town centre has been officially unveiled to the public.

On Saturday about 100 people watched Mayor Cynthia Hawksley carry out the official opening.

Oswestry community partnership Footfall is behind the design which has been painted on the side of the Home Bargains wall, in New Street at the bottom of Bailey Street.

Pupils from Marches school also took part in celebrations and were dressed in Footfall T-shirts for the occasion. There were also members of Cambrian Heritage Railways present.

Cupcakes with Footfall logos had been baked and people blew whistles which sounded like an old steam train.

Steve Howarth, who has worked on the project, said: "It really was a fantastic occasion. It was nice to see it unveiled. I am particularly pleased with the help received from Shropshire Council for the project."

The mural project was inspired by Mr Haworth, who represents OS21 in the Footfall partnership, after he visited Kati Kati, a New Zealand town which boasts 47 large murals that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Footfall, a group of organisations which linked to form a community partnership in the town, has filled the windows of empty shops in the town, which it says has lead to increased trade and a more vibrant atmosphere in the town.

Local artist and theatre set designer, Anna Roberts, was commissioned to paint the image and also took part in the grand unveiling. The mural unveiling ceremony on Saturday also marked Footfall's second birthday.

By Chrissy Symmons