Artwork created by children and inspired by those serving in the forces and war veterans impressed guests at a city centre event over the weekend.

The Inspired and Proud Project exhibition at the Pavilion in City Park featured paintings and pictures by students at Titus Salt School, Baildon, photographs of workshops at Oasis Academy Lister Park secondary school, and poems by members of Shipley Cadets.

The project worked with young people, schools, serving military personnel, veterans, cadets and other members of the community in a series of workshops in and around Bradford, leading up to the exhibition. Colonel Steve Hopper, deputy commander of 15 (North East) Brigade, said the artwork, which demonstrated pupils’ perceptions of the armed forces, was “inspiring”.

He added that one particular painting (above), featuring a head split into two sections of art, was “very deep”.

The exhibition also featured photographs of soldiers in various conflicts, including the two World Wars. There was also a replica training rifle among items on display.

Col Hopper was a guest of the Inspired Neighbourhoods Community Interest Company (INCIC), who also welcomed the Vice-Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Tim Hare and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds.

Funded by an Armed Forces Covenant Grant the project aimed to change perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards the Armed Forces.

Before the exhibition opened, there was a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph outside the Alhambra theatre to show respect for those who gave their lives for their country.

Wreaths were laid by Vice-Lord Lieutenant Hare, Colonel Hopper and Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, the chairman of INCIC.

The exhibition, which is part of the 100th anniversary commemorations of the start of World War One, is open to the public daily between 11am and 5pm until Friday.