A COMMUNITY art work has been unveiled in the voluntary sector area of the new Riverside Building, in Appleby.

The mosaic project was organised by Volunteer Centre Eden and brought together a collaboration of local voluntary groups.

Alex Chalmers, outreach worker from the Volunteer Centre, had approached Age Concern Eden with an idea to produce a piece of community art which would both celebrate the Year of The Volunteer and decorate the voluntary sector area of the new building.

Working with artist Sarah Manders, drop-in workshops were held over three days in June, to allow as many groups as possible to take part.

Alex Chalmers said: "This worked really well - 30 people worked on the mosaic representing 14 different voluntary groups. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves joining in."

Sarah had drawn some ideas for a mosaic, featuring simple landscapes, and Volunteer Centre Eden and Age Concern Eden chose a starting design'.

The project was funded by Eden Arts, Cumbria County Council Upper Eden Neighbourhood Forum and Volunteer Centre Eden.

Margaret Cheverst, organiser at Volunteer Centre Eden, said: "It was interesting to see the design grow and develop as individuals suggested changes, meaning that all concerned can feel very much a part of the project. The finished piece in the shape of a Volun-tree' is truly a piece of community art'."

County councillor for Appleby, Mary Warburton, unveiled the mosaic and a plaque listing all the groups that had contributed to the project during an open afternoon hosted by Age Concern Eden.