A loyalist paramilitary mural overlooking a catholic church in County Antrim has been replaced with a non-militaristic image in a move to enhance cross-community respect and mutual understanding.
Ground-breaking talks in Ballymena have resulted in the new look outside Our Lady's Church in Harryville.
Featuring symbols such as a shamrock and red hand of Ulster, the Ulster Scots Society moved to change the loyalist terrorist group's mural when it was agreed tricolours would be taken down in another part of the town.
Youth workers from nearby Protestant groups also painted over the red, white and blue paint on railings and lampposts nearby. The scheme was welcomed by Father Paul Symonds, whose church has come under several attacks from loyalists.
"I am hoping this will result in great respect and mutual understanding on all sides," he said. "It will make the area more comfortable for everyone who lives here. "All the signs are that we are moving in the right direction and hopefully we will continue to move on. This is very positive for the area and it is a great gesture."
The Harryville chapel was under constant sectarian attack in the late 1990s when loyalists mounted weekly pickets during Saturday evening Mass. The church was also targeted numerous times last summer, including paint attacks and graffiti.