An exhibition of community artwork has been unveiled at Malton Library.

The project to create the display was launched in February with a programme of free workshops involving young children and families creating unique and colourful pieces of hand-made felt.

Its aim was to create artwork to celebrate and adorn the walls of the refurbished library.

Artist Serena Partridge who led the workshops, said: "Wet felting is an ancient method of creating fabric. Wool fibres are tangled together using just heat, moisture and friction. As the wool shrinks, the fibres interlock and matt together.

"Participants laid out Merino wool fibres, applied warm soapy water and then lots of agitation - i.e elbow grease - with either a carrier bag or their bare hands.

"The fibres were finally rolled in bamboo mats to compact them further and make the felt even stronger. It’s a fun and physical process which led to several tired arms.

"One family remarked: ‘This was a very engaging and educational workshop, good fun for all ages’."

Serena said: "The young attendees also provided superb ideas, drawings and designs for the artworks, inspired by the woodland theme already in the children’s section of the library and by Ryedale landscapes.

The felting activities were followed up in March with embroidery and stitch workshops for adults.

Serena guided participants in sewing together the unique pieces of hand-made felt, to create flora and fauna inspired by the children’s drawings.

The final designs were stitched together during summer drop-in sessions, before being framed, ready for the launch event.

The six pieces of work which will go on display are Over the Moors, Among the Trees, Upon the River, Across the Fields, Within the Forest and Beneath the Ground.

Held last month, the launch was attended by members of Sight Support, children from the Housemartins Holiday Club and members of the Malton Library Pins and Needles Craft Club, all of which contributed to the artwork.

The six artworks will be hung this month, alongside two collages, which picture the process and some of the contributors.