COLOURFUL murals and poetry have transformed five dingy pedestrian subways in Castlefields and Halton Brow in Runcorn.

Fifteen artists teamed up with primary school children and local groups to create artwork to celebrate local history, talent and aspirations.

Their imaginative work was unveiled at a ‘Going Underground’ festival, as a procession led an audience around the five locations.

More than 100 people were involved in designing or painting murals, making sculptures and performing.

Project co-ordinator Martin Cox said: “This project has given local people the opportunity to make thier mark on their community through improving these much unloved subways, which have been transformed into places for people to be surprised and enjoy.

“The hope is that this project will leave a lasting sense of community pride with those who took part.

“The quality of the artwork and performances excelled expectations.”

Each subway showcases a range of styles from sculpture to graffiti art.

Pupils from St Mary’s. St Augustine’s and Astmoor sang along to instruments made from household recycling at Primrose Close subway.

Halton Youth Squad performed a street dance at Tanhouse, Halton Brow subway.

Adult learners from the Acorn Centre recited their own poetry at Kingshead Close subway.

An underwater seascape created by Mencap members has brightened up the subway in Woodlands Walk.

Pupils from The Brow designed an adventure in local history to give life to a subway in Old Astmoor Lane.

Sarah Gillis, community artist and tutor, said: “Adult learners worked tirelessly to transform the subway in Kingshead Close into an open art gallery.

“We felt that being near the canal, it could become a place of quiet reflectiion.

“We were overwhelmed by the positive response we received from people walking through as we painted.”

The new artworks are being cleaned by young people using the latest anti-graffiti coating.