RESIDENTS spanning the generations in two former pit villages have joined forces to create a stunning mosaic capturing the heritage of their neighbouring communities.

The mosaic entitled Twenty Twelve Together will take pride of place in the Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre in Wheatley Hill, east Durham.

St Godric’s RC Primary School, in Thornley, successfully secured a lottery grant from Awards for All to create the artwork commemorating the history of the villages of Wheatley Hill and Thornley.

The aim was to involved as many local community groups and schools as possible. More than 20 groups took part and supported the project financially.

The mosaic took shape at several venues with 337 people, aged from one to 84 years old, taking part. They included pupils of Thornley and Wheatley Hill primary schools.

Community artist Angela Tomlinson designed the mosaic and led the project, along with Amanda Cuskin.

Among the many features depicted are the former pits of the respective villages, Rockhall Farm, village churches, Thornley Hall Farm, the Wheatley Hill Children’s Centre, Wheatley Hill pond, a pit pony and the new fire station.

St Godric’s School head teacher Jane Lewin said: “This has been an amazing project that has brought a wide variety of people from the community together.

“It has resulted in a beautiful mosaic that everyone will enjoy for many years to come.

“We would like to thank the Awards for All Lottery Fund and in particular June Richardson and Angela Tomlinson for their hard work in organising it all.”

The finished mosaic will be installed in the Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre.