A MURAL representing Cwmbran’s past, present and future has been unveiled at the town’s community centre.

The painting, titled The King of Bran, now adorns the wall of the Cwmbran Centre for Young People (CCYP) and is the product of more than 1,400 hours of painting from the hands of around 300 locals of varying ages.

Split into five panels shared by artists Richard Davies, Elaine Preece and Marina Brierley, the piece depicts a tranquil scene of Cwmbran from a field in Llanfrechfa, with Mynydd Maen and Twmbarlwm in the background.

Magpies, fairies and field mice have been hidden within the painting for keen eyes to find and the painting is bordered by 180 individually painted squares in the sky and 120 names and quotes of young people and residents of Cwmbran at the bottom.

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds officially unveiled the painting in front of a large and supportive crowd, describing it as a “wonderful piece” and praising those who took part.

“There’s something wonderful about everyone else who has contributed to this artwork because pieces of public art dos peak to us about the communities that they’re in,” he said.

“The great thing about this painting is not only does it show this amazing view of Cwmbran, it challenges us to think about Cwmbran’s history. This is also about our community, our strong community, in Cwmbran.”

Leigh Rowland, chief executive of the CCYP, hailed the mural’s unveiling as a “proud moment”, adding: “To have everyone, from young people, councillors, the MP, supporting this has really brought the community together.”