A TEACHING assistant has created an inspirational learning space for his pupils with the help of Blackburn artist and a local charity.

Peter Shuttleworth, 47, wanted to find a way to mark the First World War centenary, brighten up his classroom, and inspire his pupils, and so he commissioned a unique piece of art.

The artwork, entitled 'the 21st Century Truce' has livened up his previously stark room at Audley Junior School in Queen's Park Road.

It represents the famous brief First World War truce, when impromptu games of football took place between British and German troops along the Western Front on Christmas Day 1914.

The piece features imprints of top strikers Messi, Rooney, and Ronaldo playing football over a background of no man's land made from pictures of poppies and famous First World War images.

It was created by artist Lee Wareing, and sponsored by the Al-Imdaad Charity, whose Peter enlisted to help with the project.

Lee is in his third year of a Fine Art and Mixed Media Course at Blackburn College, and was happy to take up the challenge.

Peter has also stencilled inspirational quotes on the walls, and filled the room with beanbag chairs.

He runs a boys learning group in the room, which helps pupils who need some extra encouragement, and he has been working with them on a First World War project since the beginning of term.

He aims to motivate the boys to read and write, and the group has been writing 'letters from the trenches' from the point of view of troops in the First World War.

Peter said: "It's always been a vision of mine to have a 'boys' room' where they could be stimulated by works of art and quotes from famous people.

"This is the realisation and fulfilment of what I've wanted to bring towards educating boys and motivating boys to read.

"Now three people and organisations have come together to make it happen.

"We're in a deprived ward, and I work with boys who need some encouragement and motivation to read, and they've been really engaged with the project.

"The idea that two warring factions stopped for a day and had a game of football.

"The picture has been three months in the pipeline, but with the centenary coming up, the timing's just been fantastic.

"The concept of peace is fundamental to it. That, and remembering."

Zubair Vali Mulla, fromthe Al-Imdaad Foundation, said: "The class was bare and he wanted something inspirational on the walls that could allow the children to open their minds.

"We were happy to support something that can help to inspire children, and promote the message of peace."