'Eyesore' transformed by artists

The youngsters created images of local sites like the Falkirk Wheel

A 60ft wall regularly used by criminal gangs in the Falkirk area as a message board has been transformed into a local work of art.

The structure, which surrounds Camelon Juniors Football Club, had been a focal point for offensive and racist graffiti for years.

A youth group named Streetalk has now created a huge mural out of the wall.

It features drawings of well-known local sites, including the Falkirk Wheel and the Forth and Clyde canal.

The wall was transformed during to an eight-week art project involving 30 youngsters from the club.

They worked alongside two local artists to create the mural, which reflects the thoughts, lives and opinions of the young people.

The group prepared the wall for painting, helped with sketches and then used spray paint to complete the scenes.

Falkirk Council's head of cultural and lifelong learning Sue Selwyn said: "This wall was once an offensive local eyesore and it has now been transformed into an attractive focal point in the community.

"Young people have worked hard to improve their area and they should be rightly proud of what they have achieved."