A new art installation has been revealed at Llandudno Station, created by students from the local Additional Learning Needs (ALN) school, as part of a project led by Conwy Valley & North Wales Coast Community Rail Partnership to mark 200 years of the modern railway.

The official unveiling coincided with Community Rail Week, an annual national celebration of the people, partnerships and projects that connect communities through rail.

Over 12 weekly art sessions, funded by Transport for Wales, students from Ysgol Y Gogarth worked alongside local artist Mel Roberts of Mazin Mosaics to explore design, colour, texture and storytelling, creating colourful mosaic panels inspired by their own experiences of travelling the beautiful Conwy Valley Line, the history of the railway, and the places and landmarks that make this part of North Wales so memorable.

Karen Williams, Conwy Valley & North Wales Coast CRP officer, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the staff and pupils of Ysgol y Gogarth on this latest project. Week after week, the pupils demonstrated outstanding determination and passion through their chosen artwork. They used materials and tools safely, respectfully, and with great care, while working together to create these wonderful pieces.

“On behalf of the CRP, I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved for the hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment shown throughout this project.”

Melanie Lawton, community rail strategic lead at Transport for Wales, said: “Llandudno is known as the Queen of Welsh resorts, and this project with Ysgol Gogarth has connected the community to the railway in a joyous way. The artwork creates a sense of place, and for our passengers travelling at Llandudno railway station to enjoy.”

Mel Roberts of Mazin Mosaics said: “Working with the pupils and staff of Ysgol Y Gogarth, and the Conwy Valley & North Wales Coast CRP has been a fulfilling and fun experience. From the outset, the pupils have been engaged, eager to learn and have grown in confidence in both working together and in their mosaic-making skills. They should be proud, as I am, of the beautiful mosaics.”

Janine Tennant-Jones, teacher at Ysgol Y Gogarth, said: “Being part of this project has been a truly enriching and meaningful learning experience for our learners. It has provided authentic opportunities for young people to develop their creativity, confidence and collaboration skills while engaging with their local area in a purposeful and inclusive way.

“We are incredibly proud of our learners and the legacy they have created for the wider community to enjoy at Llandudno railway station for years to come.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Conwy Valley & North Wales Coast CRP via their website.

Learn more about Transport for Wales’s work in the community here.