A CHALFORD bus shelter has been transformed with a mural depicting elements of the village's history.

Inspired by the artistic make-overs of bus stops in Brimscombe and Thrupp, Chalford Parish Council decided the shelter, which is located on the A419, opposite Dark Lane, was in need of some TLC.

The shelter, which is located on the A419, opposite Dark Lane, now features a painting of donkeys, canal boats and the former station.

Stroud artist Jessy Plant was commissioned by the parish council to paint a design which captured life in Chalford in a bygone era.

"After discussions with Jessy Plant, and considering the closeness of the canal to the shelter, it was agreed that the canal should feature, together with many other aspects of Chalford’s historical heritage," assistant council clerk, Kate Arnold said.

"Jessy has captured the essence of our history using images from those at the Museum in the Park.

"We were thrilled to see included our donkeys, in addition to the railways station and mills."

Jessy said: "Chalford and the surrounding areas have managed to protect so much of their architectural history.

"This bus shelter is dedicated to a small slice of that history, capturing the memories of the area through the people inhabiting it.

"Of course to understand the beauty of the Golden Valleys we have to reflect on the people that have lived here as well as the landscape that has been shaped by them.

"Each piece has been hand-painted, mostly because my artistic skill is the painted medium, but as I spent time with each section of the piece I found myself reflecting on the lives and stories of those that have gone before us.

"Although I cannot name the people here, or tell their stories in any written capacity, I can use my skills to show a small slice of life that can be a celebration of past generations."

The revamped shelter was officially opened with a red ribbon cutting ceremony by Paul Lilly, chair of the council, with other councillors in attendance. Now the mural - which features donkeys, canal boats and the former station - has been officially opened with a red ribbon cutting ceremony.