CREATIVE kids have been putting their artistic talents to the test by painting a mural of the landmarks of Swindon for Penhill Library.

For the past two weeks pupils at Swindon Academy have been getting together to put their ideas on canvas before hanging the finished piece on the wall of the library.

The idea for the mural was conceived as part of the school’s ABC (Alternative Based Curriculum) week, which starts next Monday, and as part of the year 7’s ‘pay it forward’ initiative, where they are encouraged to do something positive for their local community.

ABC week involves teachers and pupils engaging in various community-based activities in order to give the kids a better understanding of the area in which they live.

With help from the staff at the library, pupils researched the town’s history and came up with a list of landmarks to appear on the mural.

Featured in the painting is Arkells Brewery, Swindon Town Football Club, Coate Water, the Wyvern Theatre, the M4, the Moonrakers, the statue of Brunel and, of course, the Magic Roundabout.

There is also a piece representing the introduction of the trams and the Steam Museum, as well as a robin to symbolise the Swindon Speedway Team, with the famous Oasis Centre and the John Murray Building also included.

Nick Warren, assistant principal at Swindon Academy, said: “Next week is our third ABC week and the mural is part of it. It was a good way of encouraging the pupils to research their local community and its history.

“All the kids always look forward to ABC week and this year’s should be great.”

The pupils were encouraged to draw and paint to the best of their ability with minimal help from staff.

Kelly Blake, manager of the library, said: “I think it’s wonderful. It brightens up the place so much.

“It’s great to be able to work alongside the Academy and to provide somewhere for the children to display their work.

“We only put it up last week and we’ve already had so much positive feedback from people. The kids should be very proud of themselves.”

Unfortunately, Penhill Library is one of the 11 libraries in Swindon that the council has announced will close within the next year.

Owen Vincent, year 8, of Pinehurst, said: “I feel very proud. It represents our school in a good way and I have really enjoyed being a part of it.”

Caitlin Robertson, year 9, of Penhill, said: “It feels really good seeing the finished piece. It was fun painting it and seeing it develop.”

Michael Page, year 9, of Pinehurst, said: “I am proud that we managed to finish it in time and I think it looks great on the wall. Everyone’s done a really good job and I’m pleased to have been involved.

Emily Hardwell, year 9, of Penhill, said: “The painting looks amazing. Now I’m really looking forward to ABC week, it should be great.”

Staff at the school wished to thank D.W Salthrop Ltd. for supplying the timber for the canvas frames.