A 'stunning' new mural celebrating Stockport's wildlife has been completed in the town centre.

The artwork, created by local artist Russ Meehan - also known as Qubek - is laid out in a dawn to dusk scene, with the early morning animals on the Merseyway end, progressing to the nocturnal creatures at the Air Raid Shelters end.

It was commissioned by Groundwork Greater Manchester, and funded by the UK government.

It features some of the borough's rarest species.

The first bird - at the 'daytime' end of the artwork - is a black and white Willow tit.

Stockport is one of the last strongholds for this declining species, who love the wet woodland habitats of Stockport's river valleys.

There's also a Purple Hairstreak butterfly, which can be found up in the canopy of oak trees in Stockport's mature woodlands, such as in Etherow and Marple.

As the scene turns to dusk, you can spot a Common Pipistrelle bat (often seen flitting through Stockport's parks and gardens), a Tawny Owl, and a Lunar Hornet Moth, a striking species that can be found in the borough's woodlands.

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Lucy Stowell-Smith, strategic lead for urban nature at Groundwork Greater Manchester, said: "Art is a wonderful way to help people notice and appreciate the local wildlife that is living alongside them and this stunning mural celebrates all that has been achieved in recent years to green the town centre and encourage nature back.

"Over the last few years, our Wild About Stockport project has had a huge impact with more planting and biodiversity improvements across the town centre and this artwork will continue to inspire local people to explore, protect, and enjoy the beautiful green spaces we now have in Stockport.

"The location of this new overhead mural is perfect as it identifies the creatures and insects that can be seen flying above us. It also sits right next to Caitilin Marie Atherton's excellent bottle top mural, so it feels like the creatures have flown up from one mural to another."

Cllr Micheala Meikle, cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills at Stockport Council, added: "Most people walking through the town centre won't realise that some of the UK's rarest wildlife can be found right here in Stockport.

"This brilliant new mural by Russ changes that, it rewards curiosity and turns an everyday journey into something people will stop, look up at and talk about.

"As we continue to transform Stockport, projects like this show that regeneration isn't just about new buildings and public spaces.

"It's about celebrating the people, creativity, history and natural environment around us that make Stockport special, while giving residents and visitors even more reasons to explore the town centre."

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