AN eye-catching banner marked the re-opening of the Reading Garden at Chepstow Library yesterday.

Designed by budding artists, now in Year Nine at Chepstow School, the banner took pride of place in the library’s garden, which has re-opened following the winter.

The initiative was a joint project between the Friends of Chepstow Library, and Chepstow School with funding from Chepstow Town Council’s community grant scheme.

Community librarian Sally Bradford explained that the pupils were asked to create a design to depict the reading journey from a child to an adult, incorporating characters from the Gruffalo to teenage favourite Harry Potter.

The pupils also chose iconic local landmarks including the River Wye and the town arch to feature within the artwork.

Ms Bradford said: “The children saw the finished banner in place for the first time today and were thrilled.”

“We are very grateful to all those involved and welcome library users to visit the reading garden during opening times.”