Beswick children winning wishes on display

Six school children from Beswick have won a painting competition organised by east Manchester’s New Deal for Communities.

On Friday 21 September, they visited Beswick Precinct to see their artwork reproduced on giant hoardings outside the shops.

The children were asked for their wishes for the new precinct and these included: "the shopping centre is colourful and I hope that everyone will go there" - Luke, St Brigids "that there is a place where people could relax and have a break" - Steven, School of the Resurrection "that there will be lots of flowers" - Courtney, School of Resurrection

The winning entries were transformed into a piece of public art by artist, Ian McKay, who was originally from Beswick. Commenting on the work, Ian McKay said: "I've really enjoyed reproducing the children's drawings and it's great to be involved in a project in an area where I grew up. I've already had lots of positive comments about the art work from shoppers and passers by. Local people think the drawings make the hoardings look more colourful."

Commenting on the project, Sean McGonigle, east Manchester's New Deal for Communities co-ordinator said: "We received nearly 200 entries from the three local primary schools, Ashbury Meadow, St Brigid's and School of the Resurrection and two winners were chosen from each school. The standard was extremely high and finding just six winners was a difficult task. Ian has done a great job in reproducing the children's work and the hoardings really brighten up the precinct. I hope shoppers enjoy this unique public art exhibition."

For more information visit www.eastmanchesterndc.com

Media contact:

Roz Hughes at New East Manchester on 0161 223 1155.