A new trail inspired by young people from across the county has been launched at Blenheim Palace.

The palace has partnered with Oxfordshire Youth, The Oxfordshire Museum and Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum to present the free totems trail.

The Emblem of Peace, Past and Present will be available until September 2.

It begins in Woodstock with the first totem in the shared gardens between The Oxfordshire Museum and Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

One of the six totems on the trailOne of the six totems on the trail (Image: Blenheim Palace)

Visitors will be able to scan a QR code, gaining access to the exhibition that features six totems guiding them to Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, concluding at the Flagstaff Gate.

Those starting at Blenheim Palace will be able to follow the exhibition in reverse back to Woodstock to find out how the story begins.

Each totem will feature designs and stories created by 60 young people from Oxfordshire Youth inspired by a recent visit to Blenheim Palace.

Over four days, the group learnt about the history and heritage of the site, including the ceiling paintings in the saloon.

Kelly Whitton, head of built heritage at Blenheim Palace, said: "It has been an absolute pleasure to host the remarkable young people at Oxfordshire Youth for the second year in a row.

"The young people were introduced to the ceiling painting and the historical context.

"They were encouraged to take up space in the saloon, look up at the painting and then draw, sketch, doodle, write their thoughts, opinions and feelings. The end result has been incredibly inspiring."

The trail is part of an initiative designed to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds to gain confidence in spaces ordinarily inaccessible to them due to social, financial, physical or intellectual barriers.

The project also aims to offer a platform for young individuals to express their thoughts, opinions and feelings via art.

Tracy Blackstock, head of youth development at Oxfordshire Youth, said: "As we embark on the second year of the Blenheim Art Project, we are excited to present a fresh and invigorating perspective on the themes of peace and conflict.

"This initiative provides an inspiring platform for young people to delve into the complexities of past and present conflicts."

Jemma Davey, museum service manager at Oxfordshire County Council, added: "The Blenheim Arts Emblems of Peace project has produced some inspiring artwork from the young people who took part and we are proud to play a role in showcasing their creativity.

"We hope the trail will promote the connection between the partner sites and encourage visitors to explore and enjoy the wide range of heritage and art on offer in Woodstock."