From Louise Raymond, Exeter 383578, April 05,2007

MARINE animals on an Exmouth underpass mural have been given a new lease of life - thanks to a group of young people working with Devon County Council's Youth Service.

The underpass, between Imperial Road and the train station, was looking rather neglected, with paint flaking from the mural, and illegal grafitti littered the walls.

Following an approach from Exmouth town councillor Pat Graham, the Council's Youth Service led by youth worker Claragh Bell, took up the challenge. Funding was provided by Exmouth Town Council with support from Devon County Council, East Devon District Council's Street Scene and Wilson's Paints, who supplied the necessary materials.

The group of youths got involved in the project through attending Horizons lunchtime club, Elm Road or Exmouth Young People's Centre. They contributed ideas to the design - which represents Exmouth's part of the World Heritage coastline - as well as carrying out the actual painting.

Devon County Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor John Smith said: "These young people have shown their commitment and artistic talents on this superb mural and should feel very proud of their results.

"Devon County Council's Youth Service is always keen to engage young people in community projects of this nature, and we are very grateful to our partners at Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council for their support, as well as to Wilson's Paints for their generous donation."

Amongst the young people involved was 20-year old Sarah Collins, a student on the Education Studies BA at Rolle College campus who restored the marine mural to its former glory. The mural was first painted ten years ago, and Sarah was one of a group of young people who painted the original design.

Lyndsay Pickering, Devon County Council's Area Youth Worker for Exmouth said:  "The young people, volunteers, partners and staff team have worked hard to make this project a success. It is fantastic to see young people making a positive contribution to their community.

"I hope everyone using the underpass will enjoy the painting, which reflects Exmouth's World Heritage status and Jurassic coastline."

Ends