ARTIST Hayley Welsh has exhibited her work in New York, London and Australia - now she is busy brightening up East Lancashire.

The 29-year-old, who has also exhibited at Towneley Hall, Burnley, painted cute and cuddly creatures on the walls of Blackburn accompanied by inspirational messages urging people to embrace their inner child.

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It was a far cry from the high-end galleries the Australia-based professional artist is accustomed to, but she loved every minute of her return home.

Hayley, who moved Down Under seven years ago, went to St Wilfrid’s High School and St Mary’s College, before studying a foundation art course at Blackburn College.

She said: “Last year I did an exhibition in New York and when I came back I wanted to do something in Blackburn.

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Hayley approached Blackburn is Open, a council project to improve the perception of the town centre, and did some work on a shop.

She said: “As I was coming back again this year I asked if there were any walls I could paint and they were really keen to do it.

“It was really nice being back and doing some work in Blackburn. It was interesting to see how the people of the town reacted to it.

“It brought people from all backgrounds, ages and races together and they were talking about it.

“One man even bought me a card to say thank you which has never happened before.”

Hayley was brought up in Oswaldtwistle by mum and dad Rosemary and Steven, who live in Stanhill Lane, and has a sister, Lydia. After doing her degree in Blackpool she decided to travel and spent time in Australia, which is where her artwork was discovered.

She said: “I was in a small mining town working in a cafe when I saw an art competition, decided to enter and I won for my age category.

“I saw another competition and won that. Then I was invited to exhibit in Perth and the rest is history.I do all sorts of work with street art, galleries and I also go into schools.” “I think the accent is a bit of a novelty for them.”Yesterday Hayley , who moved to Australia seven years ago, was travelling to London for another exhibition.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leisure chief Damian Talbot said: “It is part of brightening up the townand making it more attractive for visitors and to showcase the talents we have in Blackburn so it is great.”