PHOTOGRAPHS have been used to transform a former pub into a work of art.

Young people from the Civic Arts Centre in Oswaldtwistle used a combination of new and old photographs as well as text to change the derelict Commercial Hotel into a large scale exhibit.

The youngsters have been working on the plan throughout the summer, following a general two-year photography project at the Civic Arts Centre in Oswaldtwistle.

Teenagers have spent months photographings people and interviewing them about their lives.

They have now pasted photographs, quotes and memorabilia onto the facade of the Commercial Hotel, at the Church and Oswaldtwistle gateway in Blackburn Road.

The photography and arts project, called Ways of Seeing, is part of Lancashire museum’s Cultural Olympiad, which plans to show Lancashire arts projects at the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.

For the past two years, youngsters have worked with photographer Scott Kershaw to learn photography skills and with historian David Chadwick.

Gayle Knight, creative director of the Civic Arts Centre, said: “This is one of the final pieces of work out of the project and the young people wanted to create something that had a great impact at one of the busiest junctions in the borough.

“It’s an unusual way to display photography and creates a interesting focal point. We appreciate the owners support for this project.”

The Commercial Hotel has been empty for many years now but is owned by Chilten Accrington Ltd.