STUDENTS from a college for the visually impaired are taking part in a colourful community project.

The four second year students from Henshaws College, Harrogate, are creating three panels for a 12ft-square textile hanging that will eventually be given pride of place in Ripon Cathedral.

It will be on display in the nave of the cathedral for eight weeks from January 22.

Laura Fruin, David Griffiths, Grant Walker and Katrina Jones have been working on the panels.

In total, 15 community groups from across the region are involved in creating sections of the 22-panel textile.

It follows a similar scheme at Durham Cathedral. Green Explorers, a community group for adults with special needs, decided to start the Ripon project.

Chairman of Green Explorers Tony Noble said: "We're delighted that so many community groups, such as Henshaws, have got involved in the project.

"We are keen to encourage people with disabilities to learn new craft skills and become involved in such an exciting initiative."

The project is funded by Awards For All, a National Lottery grant scheme aimed at local communities.

Henshaws College offers further education to young people with a visual impairment who have additional difficulties or disabilities.