SHOP shutters have been covered with artwork as part of a new community art project.

The Dearne Community Arts Festival has been working with Leeds-based artist Jayde Bell on the project, encouraging Goldthorpe shop owners to create works of art on the normally bleak, grey-coloured shutters.

Funded by Snap Tin Community Hub, the first piece was painted on the Millennium Cutters salon on Barnsley Road last weekend, with further work to come including a wall mural at Goldthorpe Pentecostal Community Church.

The festival’s secretary Julie Turner said: “We want to leave a legacy of colour and beauty in our area and this project helps to improve the appearance of the main road in Goldthorpe.

“Instead of it looking deserted and rundown when the shops are closed, we’re creating something beautiful which reflects the arts festival’s aims of championing creativity and celebrating community.”

Owner of Millennium Cutters, Stephen Holt, said the project helps to create an atmosphere of positivity, adding: “It’s great to be part of something which enhances Goldthorpe.”

The full festival will take place on September 28, featuring exhibitions, workshops and performances at Astrea Academy Dearne.