THE site of a demolished Widnes pub is to become a colourful art gallery.

Imaginative children and students are creating artwork to be displayed on hoardings around the former Prince of Wales in Albert Square shopping centre.

Widnes artist Natalie McGahan is working with pupils to develop pieces based on famous people past and present from Widnes, the town’s skyline - Lowry style and the three bridges, the Old Transporter, the Silver Jubilee and the new Mersey Gateway.

The project is being run as a competition with the town centre landlord, New River Retail, offering a prize to the winning entry.

An exhibition will also be held in a community gallery created in a vacant unit in Albert Square.

Halton Council teamed up with Castlefield Gallery and New River Retail to convert two premises into art spaces to produce new work and host ‘pop up’ exhibitions.

Students from St Gerard’s, All Saints, Fairfield, Cronton, Simms Cross, St Bede’s and Riverside College are taking part.

Halton Mayor, Clr Margaret Ratcliffe will announce the winner when the exhibition opens in April.