SCENES from familiar Bolton landmarks and the town’s industrial heritage have been used with cultural symbols from around the world in a special “living mural”.

Artist Adrian Barber has worked with refugees and asylum seekers at BRASS (Befriending Refugees and Asylum Seekers), at the Victoria Hall to create the artwork commissioned by Bolton at Home.

People from 14 countries explored the town’s history over a 12-week period, photographing landmarks to inspire their artwork on patterns and emblems and developing ideas at a series of art workshops.

The mural was unveiled by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Colin Shaw, and will become illuminated “moving wallpaper”, displaying an ever-changing set of projected images.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone and talking to them about their lives and how they came to be here,” said Mr Barber.

The artist is from Bigger Picture Arts and has worked on previous projects reflecting the town’s diversity, from Bolton residents gripped by World Cup fever in 2010 to a local heritage “Family Album” project in Great Lever.

“It’s been a great opportunity to share each other’s cultural heritage and understand each other’s lives,” he said.

BRASS is a local charity providing support and advice to asylum seekers and refugees in Bolton, as well as English classes, a job club and activities promoting wellbeing.

Amanda Wait from BRASS said: “Creative workshops like the mural project can help people who’ve experienced the trauma of conflict and displacement by giving them a small window of peace.”