ARTWORK showcasing Leigh’s history and wildlife has been captured in a new sculpture as part of a bid to improve the town centre.

Seven metal panels displaying images of the town’s mining and mill history as well as wildlife have been installed on the central reservation at Market Street, opposite Civic Square.

The project was led by the Leigh Town Centre Management Group.

The group worked with students from Bedford High School, Wigan Council’s In Bloom team and Stewart McGarrie, who runs the Old Leigh Photographs Facebook page, to design the panels.

Helen Phillips, head teacher at Bedford High School, said: “Our winning students’ creativity has been beautifully captured in this new sculpture and will be a lasting testament to the pride they have for their home town of Leigh.”

The council’s In Bloom team got involved with the project after the area was flagged up for being full of weeds and in need of a revamp.

The central reservation at Market Street has also been resurfaced to create a more attractive gateway to the town centre.

The old wicker structure which was previously on the reservation has been recycled in Lilford Park.

Cllr Myra Whiteside, chair of the Town Centre Management Group, said: “We listened to the residents of Leigh, who told us they wanted the central reservation to be revitalised.

“The final restoration has taken some time but we are very pleased with the end result.”

For more information on In Bloom groups where you live e-mail inbloom@wigan.gov.uk.