A STUNNING mural depicting basketball hero Michael Jordan has been installed to brighten up a popular park.

Created using spray paint by Essex-based artist Kerry Judson, better known as Call the Artist, the mural has been unveiled at the School Road play area in Monkwick.

The play area and outdoor fitness zone was sponsored by Adidas and Colchester Council in 2011 to mark the 2012 London Olympics.

Essex County Councillor Dave Harris (Lab, Maypole) used cash from his County Hall locality budget to pay for a new mural to be installed.

Gazette: The mural during its creationThe mural during its creation

He said: "The play area has served the community well, with keep fit equipment of all sorts, including a basketball hoop.

"But the backdrop to the basketball hoop was fading and getting rusty. It was showing signs of being run down."

Mr Harris got permission from Colchester Council for a revamp, applied for funding through County Hall and signed up Kerry, who he has worked with in the past.

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She said: "The area attracts a lot of youths so I knew it was important to paint an inspirational figure which they could relate to, look up to and be inspired by and who better than Michael Jordan - one of the greatest NBA players of all time.

"The mural was painted using spray paints which is something I tend to work with on large scale or outdoor murals because it is an extremely weather resistant and durable paint.

"I also finished the mural with an anti graffiti coating.

"I've really enjoyed working on this project. It’s always good to chat with the local residents and they have enjoyed watching the mural take shape over the past two days."

The mural is also adorned with the phrase "Monkwick - a strong community" as well as a nod to its sponsor Mr Harris.

Mr Harris said: "I am so pleased with how the mural has turned out.

"I can't praise Kerry highly enough. I will be working with her again."

Find out more at www.calltheartist.co.uk.