Omagh teenager's climate art rolls out across Northern Ireland

A TALENTED young artist from Omagh is helping to spread a message of hope and sustainability across Northern Ireland - and his artwork is literally on the move!

Nathan Newell, a 14-year-old Year 11 pupil at Drumragh Integrated College, has seen his winning design take pride of place on a newly wrapped Translink double-decker bus unveiled at Belfast Grand Central Station.

Nathan was one of just eight young winners selected from over 1,000 entries in Translink’s first-ever ‘Brand A Bus’ competition, which challenged children and teenagers to imagine a cleaner, greener future for Northern Ireland. His colourful, creative design - themed around climate action and sustainability – will now travel the country as part of Translink’s fleet, inspiring passengers and passers-by alike.

The big reveal brought excitement and pride as Nathan and the other young artists watched the eye-catching bus roll into the station for the first time. Each winner also received a bumper art pack to nurture their talents and took part in an exclusive illustration workshop with local artist and competition judge Rory Quigg.

Speaking at the event, Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, praised the young artists for their vision and creativity.

“The response to our first ever ‘Brand A Bus’ competition has been fantastic. It’s inspiring to see how young people like Nathan imagine a brighter, more sustainable future. Their artwork is a reminder that small ideas can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.”

Judge Rory Quigg added: “The standard of entries was incredible. Seeing these young artists’ work celebrated so publicly – on something as familiar as a bus – shows how creativity can help drive change and spark conversations about the environment.”

The celebration took place at Belfast Grand Central Station, which this month marks its first anniversary. Since opening, the station has welcomed more than eight million passengers, helping to deliver over 4 million extra journeys across the public transport network - proof that more people are choosing greener ways to travel.

Nathan joins a group of inspiring young winners from across Northern Ireland: Emily, 11, Ahoghill, Eva Rose, 12, Bangor, Fiádh, 10, Belfast, Tierna, 9, Belfast, Tom, 7, Derry~Londonderry, Ruby, 9, Newry and Cassy, 8, Newry.

With his artwork now touring the region, Nathan’s creative message is clear - a greener future starts with imagination, inspiration, and action.