ICONIC landscapes, buildings and people of County Durham are to be represented in a massive mural created using the words of the public.

Durham County Council is calling on everyone who lives or works in the county and those who visit to share their thoughts on why they love the area.

The messages received will be painted onto four large canvasses by artists Kristian Jeffrey and Kara Strachan and when brought together, the pieces will form one large artwork celebrating the very best of the county. As well as contributing messages, the public can see the artwork taking shape during the summer half term week by visiting four host venues.

Once complete, the artwork, which is being developed as part of the council’s Celebrating Durham campaign, will go on display at locations around the county and further afield.

Members of the public can send their messages by tweeting @DurhamCouncil and using the hashtag #HelpDurhamShine. Messages should begin with the words ‘I love Durham because…’

Messages can also be submitted via www.durham.gov.uk/helpdurhamshine

People can see the artwork being created from Tuesday, May 29 to Thursday, May 31 at Beamish Museum and at Millennium Place/Clayport Library, Durham, and from Friday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3 at The Witham, Barnard Castle and Dalton Park

Note to editors: Artist Kara Strachan with Rhiannon Hiles, Deputy Director of Beamish, and Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council.