Stockport has another accolade to add to its burgeoning list - perhaps one we wouldn't have expected, but which is no less important for that!

The town's latest superlative is home of the "largest recycled bottle cap mural in the UK". 

The mural in question is a buzzing, vibrant scene showcasing Stockport's endangered wildlife, made of more than 80,000 bottle caps of all different colours and sizes. 

It sits on a 18x4 metre stretch of Merseyway wall, opposite the air raid shelters, and was officially unveiled on 20 March.

The artist behind this remarkable project is Caitlin Atherton, with massive support from local residents and businesses. 

Local artist Caitlin Atherton masterminded the project. Caitlin is also co-owner of local recycling community benefit society, Plastic Shed (Image - Merseyway)

Indeed, it was local residents who provided the caps, donating them at points throughout Stockport and beyond. 

Local schools, care homes, restaurants, gyms, eateries, and more all set up these points. Even some businesses further afield - including Lush and Patagonia in Manchester city centre - took part. 

Collectively, around 800 kilograms of plastic was collected. 

Locals even helped Caitlin with the construction of the project, taking part in workshops to help clean and first the caps onto the mural

Speaking of the project, artist Caitlin said: "I've had the idea of a bottle cap mural for many years now and it's so exciting to finally see my vision come to life."

Caitlin also enlsited the assistance of members of the public to help fit the bottle caps (Image - Merseyway)

She added: "I really have been overwhelmed by the level of support I have received in creating this piece and I'd like to give a special thank you to the members of the public [...] and to all the incredible businesses involved - the work people have put into this has really been amazing.

"[...] This truly has been a public work of art, where everyone has helped me not only achieve my dream piece, but we've created something even bigger than I imagined, becoming the biggest plastic bottle mural ever to be seen in the UK!"

Victoria Nichol, Centre Manager at Merseyway Shopping Centre said: "Merseyway is dedicated to supporting the ideas and creativity of our tenants and it truly is an honour for us to have this fabulous mural showcased at our centre. 

"The work Caitlin has put into this piece has been phenomenal and we'd like to encourage everyone to come down to Merseyway and see for yourself just how impactful this mural really is."

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