A PROJECT to immortalise Davenham in an enormous artwork has been given a £10,000 boost from Arts Council England.

The cash has been awarded to Davenham Players so that it can work with professional artists and villagers of all ages on a giant mosaic depicting scenes of local life.

The mosaic will cover 11 square metres on an external wall at the theatre, in Church Street, and will include features like the stone bridge at the boundary of the village, the river which gives Davenham its name, the parish church, a row of historic cottages and the distinctive war memorial.

Bob Almquist, chairman of Davenham Players, said: "We are thrilled by Arts Council England's decision to support our mosaic project and excited at the opportunities getting the go ahead presents for the community to come together, gain new skills and friends and create an artwork which will not only add colour and character to one of the village's oldest streets but which will also be, if archaeology is a guide, a lasting testament to the village of our times."

The idea for the project came from the theatre's next door neighbour Jan Johnson, who took up mosaic-making in 2010 and has since gained a Master in Mosaico diploma from one of the world's best mosaic schools, in Venice.

Following a series of trial workshops in August, Jan is now set to lead hands on community workshops at the theatre on alternate weekends throughout 2015 and into 2016, with the next on September 27.

Jan said: "I would like to see as many Davenham residents as possible play a part in the completion of the mosaic.

"With the guidance and support we offer to all participants it is well within the reach of everyone to contribute regardless of age or artistic ability.

"The nature of mosaic making means that it is possible for participants to decide for themselves how much time they commit.

"It can be anything from 15 minutes to literally hours.

"I am sure that everybody who does get involved will get a buzz for years to come when they see the finished mosaic installed and remember that they helped to make it."

The original drawing was by Tony Jeffs, from Davenham, with additional artwork and direction by Tony Harman, from Sandiway.

One of Britain's leading mosaicists, Mark Kennedy, has agreed to be the project's mentor.

The team also includes Jan Lambert and Davenham author Mike Beddard.

The mosaic is expected to use 27,000 tiles and the team is appealing for donations of leftover stone, ceramic or glass tiles, small items of jewellery, brick or china.

For more information or to book a place on the workshop visit facebook.com/TheDavenhamVillageMosaicProject or email Jan at mosaicopia@gmail.com.