MURALS created by young people to commemorate the Chartists have transformed a landmark Newport building.

Bright banners showing key elements of the movement for democracy can now be seen on the window and doors of the Westgate Hotel, the site where the Chartist Uprising ended in bloodshed in 1839.

As part of Hope 2008, a group of local youngsters got together in St Mary's Institute on Stow Hill to design and make a Chartist mural under the watchful eye of artist Stephanie Roberts.

Pat Wright, chairman of Communities First (Stow Hill) which funded the project, said everyone had worked well together to produce such an inspiring Chartist mural.

"These young people are to be congratulated on their magnificent effort."

Accent Newport Trust has received a grant of £3,450 from Heritage Lottery Fund Awards for All Wales for event being held this weekend to mark the march on Newport in 1839.

Pat Drewett, of Accet Newport, said: "This grant will help us to celebrate the anniversary of the Chartists who were local heroes, armed with courage, fighting for justice, flying freedom's flag. They were champions of democracy and are an inspiration today."

A free Chartist convention is being held today starting at 9.30am in Newport Museum and continues in St Mary's Institute, Stow Hill, from 11.30am.

Several descendents of the Chartists will tell their stories and Professor Owen Ashton will speak.

A coach tour to sites of interest takes place on Sunday.

On Tuesday, children from Newport schools will follow in the footsteps of the Chartists by marching down Stow Hill with the city's mayor, Cllr Noel Trigg, on the day of the anniversary and past the Westgate Hotel.

At 6.30pm the annual commemoration will take place at the Chartist memorial stone in the churchyard of Newport Cathedral.

Hundreds of Chartists, who campaigned for the vote and secret ballots, marched from the valleys to Newport in 1839.

At least 10 people were killed when soldiers opened fire on the crowd gathered outside the Westgate Hotel and more died later.

One of the leaders was John Frost who, together with others, was later charged with high treason and transported to Australia. They were later pardoned and Frost returned to a hero's welcome.

While the original Westgate subsequently underwent rebuilding work in the 19th century, it is still regarded as an important part of the city's history.