A RETIRED art teacher has painted four amazing canvasses for an emergency services hub after fire fighters first noticed her artwork when conducting a routine safety visit at her home.

Catherine Mackay, from Dalton painted a canvass depicting Ulverston’s Blue Light Hub on Thomas Way and its emergency vehicles, as well as a logo for each of the three partner agencies; Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria Constabulary and the North West Ambulance Service.

The work took five months to complete.

The Mail:

Mrs Mackay said: “I’ve always enjoyed doing art ever since I was a child. I never stop painting or drawing, it’s my passion.

“I always have my sketch book with me and it’s wonderful that my work is on display so it can be seen by so many people.

“I was honoured to be asked to do it.”

The idea first started when firefighter Nina Anderson and a colleague had visited Mr and Mrs Mackay’s home to check their fire alarms.

When they were there, they became overwhelmed with the paintings Mrs Mackay had displayed around her home and so kindly asked her if she would be willing to do some for their new foyer.

She was invited into the Blue Light Hub on October 5 with her husband Alan, so she could see her artwork on display, and so the teams could express their generosity and thanks in person.

Jamie Coward, Station Manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are extremely grateful for all the time and care Mrs Mackay has put into these beautiful paintings and logos that represent all our agencies and our community.

“They truly transform our foyer and will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.”

Mrs Mackay is well regarded in local arti circles and is a member of Barrow Artists and Ulverston Artists.

During her career as an art teacher, she taught at St Pius School and Sacred Heart School in Barrow, as well as Our Lady’s School in Dalton.

She now has murals on display in all of her former schools and around the altar at St Columba’s Church in Walney.