South Derbyshire District Council has invited People Express to be part of their exciting project to create a new memorial mosaic. The commemorative artwork, located in Eureka Park, Swadlincote, will be part of new garden dedicated to the mining heritage of South Derbyshire. The mosaic will pay tribute to the 'Bevin Boys'.

Bevin Boys were young men who were conscripted during World War II, but instead of going to the front to fight they were sent to work in coal mines to save essential coal production.

The large circular artwork is being created by artist Coralie Turpin, working with pupils from Belmont Primary School to design and make sections of the artwork. Heritage consultant Ruth Buttery has uncovered local mining stories and memories to be included in the artwork.

In January, Year 5 pupils took part in a 'Meet a Miner' interactive digital session with the National Coal Mining Museum. They used what they had learnt to create their own designs for the mosaic.

In March and April, Coralie will return to the school and work with pupils to make mice mosaics that will become part of the 6m diameter artwork.

The mosaic will be unveiled as part of a celebratory opening event in Summer 2023, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the first Bevin Boys.