THE skyline and significant buildings of Burnley are the inspiration behind a massive piece of public art which will be created in the heart of the town.

Professional artists from Bread Art will lead the project, painting the mural on to 72 wooden panels across the canal from Slater Terrace at Sandy Gate.

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Residents are being invited to attend and even apply some of the paint themselves.

The art piece will be ready for the Burnley Canal Festival, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Artists Becky Atherton and Bob Heath will lead the project and would-be participants or those who wish to observe the art being created can attend between 10.30am and 3.30pm tomorrow, or at the same times on Wednesday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 23.

Overalls, dust-sheets and rollers will be available for those who wish to apply some of the paint.

David Boultbee, from Bread Art, said: “The way we create work invites participation from all.

“The Burnley hoardings project will truly reflect the contribution made by all those involved.

“The views from Sandy Gate are quite extensive over Burnley and the landscape beyond includes significant buildings such as The Mechanics Theatre so I’m sure people won’t be short of inspiration on what to include.

“We’ll invite ideas and are expecting a high quality result in a fortnight’s time. There’s no experience needed so come down, draw the view and get involved.

“Once finished we hope the piece will encourage people to slow down, stop for a moment and take in their surroundings.”

The hoardings are in place as part of Barnfield Construction’s development of the area and they have given permission for the scheme.

Nick Hunt, creative director of Mid-Pennine Arts, who are organising the town’s canal festival, said: “I’m sure this will look fantastic in time for the festival and will be a great talking point for people from Burnley.

“It’s sure to enhance the area around the canal.”