TALENTED teenagers in Cutteslowe who transformed their community centre now have their sights set on a much bigger canvas.

The group spent six weeks designing and painting a mural to brighten up the front room of the building in Wren Road.

And the public art has proved such a hit they wille now tackle Cutteslowe underpass – a drab tunnel under the A40 ring road.

The community centre project was the idea of the girls themselves, who gained an Arts Council qualification for their efforts while working with artist Dionne Barber. The mural stretches around the entire room and depicts iconic views of Oxford’s dreaming spires alongside scenes of everyday life in Cutteslowe.

Rosanne Cherrill, 16, said they wanted to give something back to the community. She said: “The room looked a bit dull so we wanted to brighten it up.”

A group of 16 youngsters have now started work on the underpass mural. The tunnel connects Cutteslowe with Cutteslowe Park.

The work, to be completed during October half-term, is funded by a £1,762 grant from Oxford City Council.

Miss Cherrill, a student at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, added: “The underpass project will be exciting. It’s a much bigger project involving everyone at the community centre. We hope it will stop people spraying graffiti and make it look nice for everyone.”

The youngsters involved in the art projects are all part of the Explore Art workshops, a three-year programme funded by BBC Children in Need.

Community worker Anna Thornhill, who is based at the centre, said: “These projects are giving young people in Cutteslowe the opportunity to do something positive for their community and to engage with other local residents. Young people here sometimes get a negative press.

“Getting involved in a regular art club and creating a mural is a great way to enhance confidence and self-esteem, build teamwork and develop good community relations.”