By Saul Cooke-Black

AN 8FT MURAL celebrating the life of much-loved author Laurie Lee has been unveiled at Stroud Library.

The author's daughter, Jessy Lee, was guest at the unveiling alongside poet Adam Horovitz who read chosen extracts the Cider with Rosie author's books.

The painting, produced by students from SGS College, includes images based on some of the most well known works including Cider with Rosie and As I Walked Out.

As well as welcoming the mural to its new home at the library, the event also welcomed the county’s ‘Village Agents’ to the new location for their monthly drop-in sessions.

The ‘Village and Community Agent’ scheme was set up in 2007 to provide a signposting and support service for older people in rural villages in Gloucestershire.

It started as a pilot scheme and has continued to grow in success and now covers urban areas such as Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cirencester, Gloucester and Cheltenham.

The Scheme provides a valuable link for people to access community, statutory and other voluntary agencies.

Jane Everiss from Gloucestershire Librarires, said; “We want our libraries to be at the heart of communities, and I’m delighted to welcome both the mural and our ‘Village Agents’ to their new home in Stroud.”

Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for libraries, said; “Laurie Lee’s connections to the county are very well known, particularly in the Stroud area, so it’s great to see the mural coming home.

“I’m also pleased our library facilities can provide a welcoming location for our ‘Village Agents’ to meet.

“Our libraries have so much to offer, so why not head down and check yours out today.”