A mural representing 1,400 years of care by Wiltshire residents will go on tour around the county this month.

Each of the 100 hands in the artwork represents someone from the area who gives up their time, unpaid, to care for others.

The hands are embroidered with the number of years they have been a carer, including one 76-year-old woman who has dedicated herself to looking after other people since she was nine.

The mural will now go on tour to libraries in the county, after being displayed at the Yelde Hall in Chippenham as part of National Carers Week.

Volunteer co-ordinator Carrie Wierszycki said the exhibition, which also features other works of art by Wiltshire carers, was well-attended.

“We’ve had some lovely comments about what a lot of talent there is, and such a range of mediums, and people saying they’ve been inspired,” she said.

“It’s therapeutic. It’s also a bit of time out from their caring role and the chance to be with others in a similar situation.”

A creative carers’ group meets monthly and alternates between Chippenham, Devizes and Wootton Bassett.

For more information contact Sue Crisfield, services development manager at Carer Support Wiltshire, or email info@ carersinwiltshire.co.uk A carers’ cafe will be held at the Jubilee Buildings, in Chippenham, on June 26 from 10am to noon.