TWO retired art teachers have almost completed their peace-themed art mural in preparation for the Winsford Salt Fair.

Derek Johnson and his wife Anne, from Winsford, were commissioned to paint a 40-ft mural in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, keeping with the theme of all of this year's Salt Fair events, peace.

The Winsford branch of the British Legion asked them to create a piece commemorating the end of the First World War. In bold letter reads the most powerful of words: 'lest we forget'.

Derek said: "It's very important that people don't forget – which is what this is about – what people went through.

"One of the members of the British Legion, Alan Ravenscroft, gave me a document he's written which also talks about the sacrifices of Winsford men in the war.

"It also has some lovely tales about Winsford and the homefront from that period, which are very, very interesting and enlightening."

Another part of the mural marks the end of the Second World War, and VJ Day, the day Japan surrendered after almost six years of war.

The striking art takes inspiration from Pablo Picasso's dove of peace.

In some of the many doves are quotes that inspire peace, and in an interesting twist, the couple asked members of the public to submit their own favourite inspirational quotes.

Derek and Anne have seen a range of submissions, from The Simpsons' Lisa Simpson to John Lennon.

Former Leftwich High teacher Anne said her personal favourite is the famous quote from Mahatma Gandhi, which says 'an eye for an eye will only make the world blind'.

"That one says it all for me really," she said.

The Winsford artists will continue adding to the mural until the end of Winsford Salt Fair on Sunday, September 20, when they will also fly a number of peace kites.

The pair will also unveil seven 'salt' chimneys that will form part of the artists' 'Seven Sisters' light installation at their art shop, which is opposite the mural in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre.

So far the project has been well received by the public.

"People have made comments on a regular basis, when we're working on it." Anne said.

"They love it. They think it's brilliant, it cheers the place up and it makes Winsford seem alive. What more can you ask for?"