Murals of Halifax landmarks, past and present, are to help mark the fiftieth birthday of the Halifax Charity Gala which takes place at Manor Heath next Saturday from 11.30am onwards.

The paintings, by Calderdale College student Larissa Moskaleva, are to feature on a vintage 1950’s lorry on the Halifax Calder Rotary Club float. The Palace Theatre, demolished in 1958, is pictured, along with the cooling towers which were near the old bus station, now St James Road Job Centre. Ramsdens Brewery, previously on the site of today’s HBOS headquarters and the historic Piece Hall are also depicted as well as Halifax Dukes, who had a motorbike speedway at the Shay in 1956 and present day Halifax Rugby League Club.

“We wanted to reflect what’s new and what’s old and to mark the differences between Halifax in 1956 and the present day”, said Kay Nethercoat of Halifax Calder Rotary Club. “Larissa is very talented and it’s fantastic that she offered to paint it for us.”

Larissa, originally from Siberia, met husband Paul Weatherhead who works for Calderdale College’s international department when he was working as a teacher in Russia in 1999. She studied English language at the college and is now studying interior design there.

“I’ve really enjoyed this project and learning a bit more about the history of Calderdale where my husband has lived all his life”, said Larissa, who now lives in Hebden Bridge with Paul. An exhibition of her work is on view at Nelsons Wine Bar in Crown Street Hebden Bridge until 13 July.