Redbridge mural features 'footballers and aliens'

The mural includes "flying footballers, alien aunties and psychedelic wavy buildings"

A mural designed "to wash away the January blues" has been unveiled in east London.

Colours of Redbridge, a community-led arts and culture programme, is responsible for the 130ft (40m) mural, in the Winston Way underpass next to Redbridge Central Library.

It takes a journey through the area's history, from ancient discoveries to modern inventions and "a glimpse into the future".

The designs are a collaborative effort, brought to life by local artists and community members.

Local schools and community groups helped paint and complete the final mural

Colours of Redbridge said it was "a celebration of our borough, showcasing the things we love and the stories that shaped us".

The mural is sited across two parallel walls, showcasing Redbridge's "eclectic timeline from the prehistoric remains of a woolly mammoth over 200,000 years ago to the potential arrival of alien aunties in the future".

The ideas behind the project were developed with primary schools, care homes and community groups to explore the past, present and future of the borough.

The same schools and community groups returned to help paint and complete the final mural.

The mural shows Dusty Springfield performing at the Ilford Palais in 1964

Artist Erin Aniker said it had been "fun and interesting" to learn more about the area she grew up in.

She said: "I loved hearing about older people's stories about boogieing on a Saturday night at the old Ilford Palais Club with legendary singer Dusty Springfield, to leading art workshops with local primary school children and bringing their drawings and ideas about the future of the area to life - including lots of flying footballers, alien aunties and psychedelic wavy buildings!

"It's been a really lovely community project and I'm excited to be part of it."