Excited children from a Shoebury infants' school were delighted to be rewarded for helping brighten up a dingy underpass in Shoebury with a colourful mural.

Youngsters from Friars Infants School in Constable Way met up with Southend mayor Nora Goodman to collect their special certificates from the Southend Youth Arts Partnership.

Last month, the Friars children along with Shoebury High School students worked with artist Gordana Bjelic Rados to help paint the mural on the a Four Seasons theme in the underpass at the junction of Constable Way and Eagle Way, Shoebury.

Peter Wyatt, parent governor at Friars Infants - and the man behind the mural - said: "The children were fantastic. They loved it.

"It's very important for them to get recognition for the work they did and now they have, it's had a big impact on them."

Mr Wyatt added: "The mural has gone down very well with the Shoebury community.

"It really has received a very positive response."

Wall together now - youngsters show off the certificates presented by mayor Nora Goodman, centre

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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