Four Gwynedd schools have helped to create new public art displays commemorating the slate landscape in North West Wales.

Three years ago, the area became the fourth in Wales to be officially added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.

Pupils from Penygroes, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog have been working alongside artists and craftworkers as part of a Llewyrch o’r Llechi project led by the county council.

One artist, Angharad Pearce Jones, has teamed up with children from Ysgol Bro Lleu to create a sculpture near the Byw'n Iach Plas Silyn leisure centre, which will be installed by the end of the year.

She said: "It is a privilege to win one of the public art commissions in the slate landscape."

"I have been working with the young people of Penygroes to develop a piece of art that reflects the post-industrial landscape of Dyffryn Nantlle and the strong literary culture of this particular area. I'm very impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm!"

Sharon Roberts, a teacher at Ysgol Bro Lleu, said: "It's been really exciting to have a high-profile artist visiting the school. The pupils have thoroughly enjoyed learning about their local history and contributing to this creative project."

"We are very proud of our culture, history, and heritage and this project has been a great way to connect with those themes."

Meanwhile, a local roofing firm has won a commission to a slate mural in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Original Roofing Company (ORC) have been working with pupils from Ysgol Y Moelwyn to come up with the design - the firm is known for its artistic and imaginative projects, alongside the day-to-day work of repairing and installing slate roofs and gable end walls.

At the same time, Ysgol y Moelwyn pupils have also had the chance to try traditional slate crafting techniques.

Kaz Bentham, co-owner of ORC, said: "We wanted to say how happy we are to have the opportunity to present this exciting art project in Blaenau Ffestiniog."

"To be able to do this in our home town is an honour, and with the help and input of the local community we are confident that we can leave something for everyone to enjoy for many years to come."

Cyngor Gwynedd says much work has gone into taking advantage of world heritage status in the area since it was first recognised in 2021.

The art project is one of just a number of upcoming investments to help protect, conserve, enhance and communicate what it calls "the important qualities of the area" - and in turn, reinforce cultural distinctiveness, strengthen the Welsh language and help drive economic regeneration.

Deputy leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys said: "It's great to see young people interested and having the opportunity to contribute to a public art project as part of the slate landscape of North West Wales World Heritage Site."

"Expressing themselves through art is a different way to gain our young people's respect for their heritage."

"The location of this artwork in the heart of Dyffryn Nantlle, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog communities will be a source of pride and will reflect that the area's quarrying heritage belongs not only in the past but to the present generation and future generations and will be a boost to our ongoing efforts to regenerate Gwynedd's slate communities."

The project is being funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund and the Llewyrch o'r Llechi project.