A PORTRAIT painter has returned to her roots to present a work to her home team.

Heather Brillant, official portrait artist for the Royal Art Circle of Barcelona, in Spain, has produced a series of pictures for Colchester United, inspired by her memories of the club and town when growing up.

The 59-year-old was born in Winchester Road and attended St Helena School and the former Colchester School of Art, before moving to California at 21.

Her work, a triptych, was presented to the club yesterday.

She said: “I can remember the club at Layer Road when I was small, so it was an exciting proposition which was put to me. The piece relates strongly to my own home and Colchester’s Roman history. It has a lot to do with memory.

“It was a great joy to do it and there is no further accolade for me than to think of it hanging in the new ground, which is a far cry from the old one.”

Matt Hudson, a club spokesman, said: “We are pleased she has got involved with this project.

“The artwork has created a lot of interest in our office, so it will be nice to see what people make of it.”

Signed prints of Heather’s work go on sale at the U’s Weston Homes Community Stadium and shops in the town centre, from April 10.

Ten per cent of the profits will go back to the club and five per cent to charity.

Call 01255 820954 to order a copy.