A GROUP of young people have designed and painted 12 pieces of graffiti art for shelters in Astley Street Park, Tyldesley.

Each of the 4ft square murals is based around the theme of fun, music, and enjoyment.

Nine young people aged between 12 and 16 carried out the work at Tyldesley Youth Club under the supervision of graffiti artist Scott Winstanley.

Youth worker Theresa Downham said: "Everyone involved has put a lot of hard work into the project. The actual process of design, discussion, painting, and shared achievement has been very fulfilling for all the young people."

The Youth Arts Challenge Fund, Manchester Airport, Positive Futures, and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust Park's Department jointly financed the project.

A similar scheme was carried out at Tyldesley Youth Club five years ago and, despite concerns about vandalism, the original artwork remained almost untouched for four years.

Shaun Beatty, 14, one of the artists on the project, said: "We met once a week for around two months. Designing and drawing the artwork was a lot of fun and I particularly enjoyed the spray painting."

The Parks Department has attached the artwork to six V-shaped shelters, with a piece of artwork going on either side of each shelter. It has been painted in a protective translucent to protect it from extreme weather.