A colourful fabric artwork which is almost two metres wide goes on show in Holmfirth next week.

Heather-strewn hills and moorland, millstone grit, chimney stacks and a bird – the twite, are among the characteristic features and local scenes depicted in the work, which took more than six weeks to create.

The piece is called A Textile Tale and was commissioned by rural regeneration agency Pennine Prospects as part of its local distinctiveness project.

The project aims to raise awareness of the unique characteristics of the South Pennines’ landscape, people and places in order to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more.

The commission brought together residents and crafters from across the South Pennines.

Artists worked with residents in Holmfirth, Marsden, Saddleworth, Hebden Bridge, Haworth and Rochdale to create a stunning collaborative piece of art which captures the true fabric of the area.

A variety of techniques were used to create the piece, including needlework, felting, knitting, wax batik, silk painting and crochet.

The Holmfirth group was led by local textile artist Dionne Swift, who used free-machine embroidery to create texture in the moorland sections.

Dionne runs regular textile workshops in Holmfirth, details of which can be found on her website at www.dionneswift.co.uk

She said: “It was a joy to be able to spend time with such a talented group of women and help them develop their textile skills. Š

“Firm friendships were made and one woman has now given up her full-time job to pursue her creative endeavours on a more permanent basis – it’s great to be able to inspire people in this way.”

The piece will be on display at Emma’s Tea Parlour in Hollowgate, Holmfirth from next Thursday (February 6) before being displayed in Haworth and other South Pennine locations.

Emma Hack of Emma’s Tea Parlour said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this project – it’s a fantastic way to showcase some of our talented local artists and beautiful landscapes.

“Holmfirth isŠrenowned for its creativity, as well as being blessed with some of the finest landscapes the South Pennines have to offer.”

Rebecca Yorke from Pennine Prospects said: “Textiles have always been strongly represented in the South Pennines, so this piece is shot through with the character of the area.

“We hope it will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and encourage people to explore this fantastic part of the world.”

Pennine Prospects was set up in 2005 as a champion for the South Pennines.

It is a unique rural regeneration company that aims to promote, protect and enhance the built, natural and cultural heritage of the South Pennines.

For more details go to www.pennineprospects.co.uk