A Prestwich artist has transformed a crematorium memorial room into a colourful haven with a new mural.

Carol Anne Lee worked on the Book of Remembrance room in East Lancashire Crematorium, Radcliffe, for around “three to four” weeks and has created a beautiful space for people to remember honour and remember their loved ones.

The room was previously painted a plain pastel blue colour and Andrea Birch, business leader at the crematorium, wanted to offer families a more comforting and diverse area.

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The project started with a painted tree where visitors can add individual wooden leaves bearing the names of loved ones to create a lasting tribute.

Carol Anne then used her array of skills to expand on the artwork, which now includes various wildlife and animals, people, nature scenes and more.

Andrea said: “It has really helped to modernise the room and the artwork is amazing. I hope it can bring a smile to our visitors.”

Carol Anne used freehand techniques and didn’t plan the work beforehand, only taking inspiration from her mood boards.

She said: “There’s no stopping me when I get going! I wanted to make it magical for those who needed it

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“I hope it might help to take a little bit of sadness away, especially for the children.”

The artist is well-known in the area for her work, having created a community ‘wonderwall’ on Water Street in Radcliffe earlier this year.

The canal-side mural included a myriad of colourful pieces from wildlife, transport and quotes to Radcliffe Star Academy and memorials for key people from clubs and charities in the town.

Carol Anne left school aged 14 years old to care for her younger sibling and credits painting as “an outlet for all the difficulties she endured”.

The artist has never had any lessons and has built up a successful career, previously exhibiting her work in the Rossocinabro Art Gallery in Rome, the Northern Soul Festival in Blackpool, Hebden Bridge and Printworks Manchester, amongst many other places.

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She has also used her paintings to help raise money for such charities as The Christie and Children with Cancer.

East Lancashire Crematorium, which is part of Dignity, will be holding a Christmas memorial service from 4pm – 7pm on Friday, November 29 for people to remember their loved ones.

Those who would like to attend or learn more about the non-denominational service can call the crematorium on 0161 724 6349.