An artist who won a £7,000 commission to revamp part of a town is so overwhelmed with its success he hopes to do something similar on Sheppey.

Richard Jeferies, of James Street, Sheerness, was chosen by Medway Council’s Developing Neighbourhoods Approach (DNA) to create a mural. Over the last few weeks, an area at the back of Emmaus Church along Chatham High Street has been transformed into a brightly coloured display.

The only brief the 49-year-old was given was that the images had to be about Chatham and its past, present and future.

He worked with the local community and asked them for their own stories and bits of information about the town and hundreds of them got involved to help paint once the themes were chosen.

The Sheppey Little Theatre volunteer said it was great to see how everybody was so enthusiastic to take part and there was so much material that came forward, they could have filled another wall.

It is hoped the area may now be used as a community space.

Mr Jeferies said: “It’s just been great that everybody has been involved, that was the real big buzz.

“It was such a fantastic experience.

Something like this could be done in any town – and it needs to be done on Sheppey.

“The Island has such a rich history – we just need to find a place to do it.”