A striking mural has appeared in Bury as part of a campaign to stop violence on the streets.

The dramatic work of art is one of a number which have appeared across Greater Manchester, with all including the words ‘violence isn’t me…. I am greater.’

The three murals are located at The Beacon Youth Centre in Salford, Bury Market in Bury, and Hyde Youth Centre in Tameside.

They were funded by the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and they symbolise a young people’s commitment to being greater than violence, as part of the I am greater campaign.

The campaign was launched in 2021 and is led by young people, it encourages young people to think about what’s important to them in life, their values, and when this will be important to them in their future and their aspirations.

The campaign also aims to show how violence can escalate and encourages young people to stand up and move away from violence to inspire their peers to do the same.

The unit teamed up with street artist Oskar with a K, a muralist and artist based in Manchester, to design and paint the murals.

Andrea Hulton, Youth Worker, Bury Integrated Youth Support Service, said: “The I am Greater campaign was a fantastic piece of work for the young people of East Bury to be part of.

“The Violence Reduction Unit team delivered creative and enlightening sessions to the young people in a really engaging way.

“The young people were able to learn how their positive choices can have a great impact on their lives and those around them.

“They loved creating the street art mural to promote this message to their peers and members of the general public.

“The group members enjoyed the experience so much it led to developing a wider youth project around building more positive relationships with all staff working in emergency services too.

“They have met Police Chief inspectors, spoken to schools engagement officers, visited the fire training centre and Police stations, and are currently undertaking street first aid sessions.

“All the young people have nothing but great things to say about the whole experience!”

Oskar, muralist and artist, said: “Watching the response from the young people as the murals took form was incredible.

“I remember one young person exclaiming 'I cannot believe I made this!' and dancing on the spot, you just can't beat moments like that really.

“Working with the Violence Reduction Unit and wider team was great fun, and I'm really proud of what we have all achieved.”