Echo: Graffiti artist's tribute to the 96

A graffiti artist whose friend died at the Hillsborough disaster made 96 canvasses as a tribute to the victims.

The exhibition by artist Gecko - including the iconic Liver Bird in a range of reds - has gone on display at the Turnpike Gallery, in Leigh.

Liverpool-born Andy Burnham, MP for Leigh, said: "I was moved and very grateful when Gecko presented me and Steve Rotheram (MP for Walton) with a painting last year.

"People think of Hillsborough as a Liverpool tragedy, but the sad truth is that it affected communities across the country, Leigh and Atherton included.

"Nothing that I will ever do in my political career will give me a greater sense of fulfilment than seeing the families finally getting the truth and justice they deserve."

Gecko made the canvasses in memory of his friend Carl Brown, who died at Hillsborough when he was just 18. He used spray paint and stencils to make the canvases.

Stuart Murray, who manages the gallery, described the exhibition as a "touching tribute".

Source: Liverpool Echo