Residents in a Co Down village are celebrating the completion of an art project that has transformed a run-down area.

The project - in Conlig - which was funded as part of an external maintenance scheme, was managed by local artist Evelyn Joyce and involved members of the Conlig community painting scenes depicting various aspects of village life.

Original paintings were transferred on to the wall of a block of garages which had previously been covered with graffiti amid a sea of litter and broken bottles.

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Funding was also provided by the Housing Executive to resurface the area around the garages to make it more attractive.

Ms Joyce said: "I was delighted to be involved in this project and to work with three groups representing the Conlig community.

"This project has not only transformed the area around the garages into an area that can be enjoyed, but it has also created a vast amount of good will, team spirit and a sense of pride in the community," she said,

North Down MP Lady Hermon officially launched the artwork and congratulated everyone who took part in the project.

"I also wish to thank the Housing Executive which has provided the funding to enable the project to be carried out.

"The paintings really brighten up the area and I hope that they will provide many hours of enjoyment to all the residents of Conlig," she said.

(PR/BMcC)