THE artistic talents of a team of youths shone brightly as a colourful mural was unveiled in Barrhead.

Members of the Creative Pathways group proudly showed off the 30-feet-long design during a showcase exhibition at the town’s Auchenback Resource Centre (ARC).

The artwork was the result of a 14-week, Impact Arts-funded initiative which saw participants get to grips with a range of design skills.

After a public consultation, out-of-work youngsters learned the environment was a key priority for the area’s residents.

In turn, they opted to decorate the venue’s outer wall with sustainable materials such as artificial grass.

Inspired by the natural world, the mural includes exotic plants and animals from a variety of global ecosystems.

The Creative Pathways showcase also exhibited video, prints, photography and crafts.

As well as developing artistic skills, the sessions offered participants support with job-hunting and CV-writing.

More than half of those who got involved have since moved into employment, education or training, while others have secured interviews.

Callum Crerar, 18, who is set to begin a college course, spoke highly of the project.

He told the Barrhead News: “I’ve really enjoyed Impact Arts. I feel it’s helped me a lot.

“It’s been great to engage with the local community and other charities in the area to find out what is important to people about the environment.

“It’s also opened my mind a bit. My creativity skills were quite lacking when I came here but I’ve tried to take part in as many activities as I can.

“As a result, my creativity and my ability to change things on the fly has improved a lot.”

Heather Gault, lead tutor at Impact Arts, said the unveiling of the mural was “an amazing afternoon” and offered the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of “a very special group of young people.”

She added: “They have been so enthusiastic, have really made an effort to engage with the community on the project and have thrown themselves into new things.

“The fact so many attended meant a lot to them and showed the value of all their hard work over the summer.”

Representatives from Barrhead Housing Association, the Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund and the Big Lottery Fund’s Our Bright Future initiative turned out to show support at the official unveiling.

Impact Arts is launching a new 12-week project at the ARC for people aged between 16 and 25 who are unemployed.

It starts on Tuesday, September 26, and participants can earn £55-a-week, plus travel expenses, while enrolled on the course.

Sessions will take place on Tuesdays to Fridays, from 10am until 4pm.

To find out more, visit www.impactarts.co.uk, contact Aileen Lynn on 0141 575 3001 or email alynn@impactarts.co.uk.