POLICE are giving pride of place to a piece of art created during last year’s Swindon Pride.

A huge painting made by dozens of people was handed over at the Swindon headquarters this week as a thank you for the support shown by staff for the annual event.

Jo Sharpe, chairman of Wiltshire and Swindon Pride 2016, said: “It’s a lovely picture. Each time I look at it I see something different.”

She explained the picture was one of the star attractions in the art zone when the event was staged last year.

“We were keen to bring something different to pride so everybody could get involved in it,” said Jo.

A basic background was painted and all the flowers were added by different people through the day.

She said she approached Wiltshire Police because some of the force staff had helped to raise money for the event.

“I wanted it to be a little bit of a thank you from Pride.”

Plans are already well in hand for this summer’s Pride event. The theme is a celebration of the right to Love for All.

“It’s our ninth one this year,” she said. “It is still really important for the community, not just the LGBT community It’s an event where everybody can get together regardless of sexuality and have a great day.”

She added that it was probably the largest community event in the area that still had free admission.”

This year Pride is on August 20 in the Town Gardens and an appeal has gone out for volunteers to help set up, clear away and act as marshals for the parade.

The headline acts have already been signed up, including Stooshe from London, local band A Way with Words, Sister Sister and the Fabulous Miss Bridy and Boy Jase.

Acts heading for the Stephen G Sloan stage include Peggy-Sue Ford, award winning singer-songwriter Jamie R Hawkins and Swindon teenager Theo Altieri.

A 25-mile Ride for Pride, to raise money for the show, is being run on July 3 from Faringdon Park, followed by a beach party on July 16.

Swindon Pride was first held back in 2008 and expanded a year later to become Swindon and Wiltshire Pride. It’s aim was to promote equality and diversity and work towards the elimination of discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Visit swindonwiltshirepride.co.uk or email volunteerswpride@hotmail.com for more details.