For many Muslim women living in Great Horton, weekly art classes are a valuable opportunity to take time out for themselves, and develop creative and social skills.

Now the women - who attend classes at Bradford Council for Mosques in Great Horton Road - have created a stunning display of artwork celebrating the district's Capital of Culture bid.

Drawing on traditional Asian and British art influences, the paintings reflect the organisation's ethos of working with other cultural groups. The emphasis is on partnership - the Council for Mosques works with a variety of groups, including Christian organisation TOC H and Holme Wood Activity Centre, where members have set up a cross-cultural exchange scheme.

And regular trips are organised to places outside the city.

Centre manager Mohammed Saleem Khan said: "We believe in a multi-faith society where people can live and work together. The women wanted to do something to celebrate Bradford's culture bid and to show what they have achieved here.

"Many of these women don't leave the house very often and can feel very isolated. They don't realise they have any creative skills until they come here and start to paint.

"These classes give them a chance to get out, socialise, and develop new skills."

The colourful display of intricate designs features Fresco, an art of wall painting common on the walls of mosques during the Taskhan Mughal period, which continued during British rule. It also features designs used to decorate tiles, influenced by traditions in Iran and Central Asia.

Humaira Minhus, who runs the art classes, said the women learned about themselves through their art.

"It's something they can take home to do in their own time. One of the classes is for elderly women, who bring a lot of experience."

The artwork is on display in the main meeting room at the Council of Mosques and there are plans for the art class to create a mural for the outside of the building.

"This display was put up on a temporary basis, but many of the men attending the men's groups have been so impressed with it they've asked for it to stay as a permanent feature," said Saleem.

Jahanara Baig is pictured decorating a wall at the Council of Mosques.