TALENTED students have brightened up a corner of the town centre after being inspired by some of the world’s greatest street artists.

Art students from Priestley College used their skills to create pieces that now adorn the walls and windows of empty shops in Warrington Market.

The youngsters have also added a splash of colour to the alley that links Bridge Street to the market.

Trader Steve White was the inspiration for one painting by Nathan Hill.

Steve is enjoying the attention as customers tell him they have spotted his portrait when they pop into Moran’s for shoe repairs and engravings.

He said: “It’s great to see something so positive happening in the area.”

Twelve BTEC art and design students created the artworks ranging from a painting of a magpie to a handful of three dimensional bugs.

An impressive image of a large stag was printed onto corrugated metal by former St Gregory’s student, 20-year-old John Atkins.

The stag looks dead or alive depending on the angle from which the artwork is viewed.

“I worked on it for over four weeks to get it right,” said John.

“I love street art so this was a great opportunity for me.”

Culture Warrington wants to develop the street art scene in the town and has been working with artists to identify locations that could be brightened up.

Derek Dick, outreach and engagement manager at Culture Warrington, said: “It was great to be working with Priestley again and the standard of work that has been ‘pasted up’ around Warrington is of an extremely high standard.

“I am looking forward to working with the Art Department again over the coming months and together we hope to put Warrington firmly on the Street Art map.”

Priestley tutor Gary Jones said: “Ultimately the most important thing is that street art is accessible to everyone.

“It’s not elitist and you don’t have to pay to see it so we really hope the people of Warrington enjoy what the students have created.”