YOUNG refugees and asylum seekers have been making art through a project inspired by their journeys and hope for the future.

The project has been taking place at Westgate Baptist Church, in Newcastle’s West End, where the work is now on display.

Children and young adult asylum seekers and refugees have been making a banner, origami figures and creative journals during weekly drop-in art sessions.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, visited recently to look at the exhibition.

He said: “This is an inspiring project that is helping all who take part discover their value and their gifts. It was a joy to spend time hearing the stories behind the art.”

The artwork represents journey, record memories, and express hopes for the future.

It was run by Margaret Bodley-Edwards from the arts education charity Magic Lantern and supported by the Arts Society Tyneside, the Sir James Knott Trust and Ray and Diana Schomberg.

Maggie Crow, from Arts Society Tyneside, said: “It is a privilege and a joy to work with such an inspiring and worthwhile arts project. The ‘spin-offs’ from the initial sessions continue to be tremendous thanks to the friendships and networks established by Margaret and the direction and coordination provided by Pippa Bell of Magic Lantern.”