A STRIKING art piece created by asylum seekers has gone on display at a Bradford restaurant.

The 12ft high Tree of Life has been unveiled at Forsters Bistro, Centenary Square, after it was created by the Artworks Creative Communities' Women's Art Group.

The tree is wrapped around a pillar with the branches spreading out across the restaurant. It features fruits, birds, seeds and butterflies created from printing and paper mache models.

The majority of the women in the group are refugees, or those who are seeking asylum, and are all living in Bradford where they are trying to re-build their lives.

They have come from 13 countries, including Syria.

The Women's Art Group was funded by Health Bloom, part of the People's Health Trust.

The Tree of Life is a universal symbol of shelter, safety and sustenance and will be on display until March.

Deb Collett, project manager, said: "The women have worked with us on the Tree of Life project for the last two years.

"It has helped them develop their skills, including English language, and build up their confidence.

"The tree took my breath away when I saw it for the first time.

"The group has worked with a number of artists. Many of them have rekindled or developed new interests in art."