A three-metre-long mosaic has been unveiled at Ware Station in Hertfordshire.

The ‘Welcome to Ware’ mural is the result of a collaboration between the New River Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP), designer Donna Reeves and around 30 members of the local Always Bee You charity, which empowers adults with learning disabilities and mental health challenges to access the opportunities, skills and support they need.

Over seven months, artist Donna led workshops and showed the group how to cut tiles, make ceramics and construct the mosaic on mesh. The participants brought their favourite things about Ware to life, which Donna then pulled into one central design.

The mosaic was jointly funded by the New River Line CRP and the Department for Transport’s Community Rail Development Fund, administered by Community Rail Network.

Katie Goldthorpe, New River Line Community Rail Partnership Officer, said: “We are so pleased that the mosaic is on display for all visitors to Ware Station to enjoy and that the project has been such a success.

“It was a real team effort from everyone involved and it really shows off the beauty of the area and the buzz as people come into the station and step off the trains has been brilliant.”

Paul Webster, regions support manager at Community Rail Network, said: “Railway stations are a gateway into their community and a reflection of the local pride of that place.

“We are pleased and proud to have been able to fund and support this stunning new mosaic at Ware Station. It perfectly captures the talent of the Always Bee You group and the skill of Donna Reeves – the artist who have jointly created this bright and inviting display. Passengers arriving at Ware will really feel that they are warmly welcomed to the town by this mosaic!”

Jo Radcliffe, CEO of Always Bee You, said: “We loved making the mosaic together, with our group learning new skills and meeting up with each other to chat at the same time.

“Seeing our artists create something so beautiful was wonderful. They even signed their names on each of the bee tiles they made that are now part of the mosaic, so they can see their work at the station.

“Many people with disabilities and mental health conditions leave school with no qualifications or hope for the future. This project has built their confidence and showcased the artistic skills and talents of people with learning disabilities through creative arts.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the New River Line CRP via their website.