Cross-community mural is unveiled

Children from both sides of the interface worked on the mural

A jigsaw mural inspired by work by children in interface schools has been officially unveiled in east Belfast.

Pupils from St Matthews Primary and Beechfield Primary worked together on the project.

The mural, which is on the Albertbridge Road, was painted by artists Mark Ervine and Danny Devenny.

Community workers in the area said they were concerned by the rise in sectarian clashes between youths in the area.

The work on the mural was initiated by Belfast Conflict Resolution Consortium and supported by the Community Relations Council.

"The children and their parents made this happen" Maureen Blacklaw, principal of Beechfield Primary School, said.

"It's great to have such a visible sign of the goodwill and creativity that is here and the shared determination to create a new future together."

"The mural sends out a message about belief in our communities and hope for the future," Roisin Heath of Short Strand Community Forum said.

"It shows what can be done when people get the support to make good ideas a reality."