Giant community mural is nearly finished

A mural which champions the contributions of volunteers to the local community is nearly finished.

Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, is a local charity that support local people and community groups.

The mural, by local artist Tom Cousins, was inspired by the community's ideas, heritage and volunteer work and is close to completion after more than eight weeks.

Mr Cousins said: "It's a celebration of all things voluntary in the Forest. It's amazing how much work isn't paid."

The mural has been painted on the side of the 'Ow Bist' Forest Community Space on Dockham Road in Cinderford.

Many pieces of the artwork are symbolic to the community. For example, the produce represents the Forest of Dean's farming heritage.

Mr Cousins said: "Voluntary work is often about doing things with other people, so wherever possible I put in groups of three," which inspired the group of chicken - one of his favourite elements."

FVAF communicated with the community as to what they would like to see on the mural, which received a large response.

Catherine Best, a manager at FVAF, said: "We had so many ideas, it was nearly a near-impossible task."

The mural already seems to be a hit among the local community, with people stopping by to take photographs.

Ms Best said: "We're really so proud of it and feel like it's become the landmark that we wanted it to be for the Cinderford area."

She said she is looking forward to welcoming people into the newly-transformed building.

"It really is a space for everybody to enjoy," she added.

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