Gordon Sparks mural honours late BBC broadcaster

A mural has been created for Gordon Sparks on Holdsworth Street

Former BBC Radio Devon presenter Gordon Sparks has been honoured with a mural on a house in Plymouth.

He was the voice of Plymouth Argyle radio commentary for 32 years before he died in October 2022. He had cancer.

Now a group of artists and fans of "Sparksy", as he was known, have made sure his legacy lives on.

John McNulty, project manager and former Argyle board member, said: "I'm so proud and I'm pleased his wife and family are very pleased with it as well."

Sparksy was the voice of Argyle on local radio for 32 years

The artwork can be found on an end-of-terrace house on Holdsworth Street, near Central Park.

Samantha Marshall, the owner of the house used for the tribute, said she contacted Mr McNulty to offer her house as the canvas.

"It's quite cool to have the Gordon Sparks house, the kids can brag to their friends," she said.

"Also, it's just amazing to be a part of Plymouth's history and to have a new landmark for the city."

Mr McGrath and Mr Nye said they know they have "hit the nail on the head" after receiving praise from the public

The mural was created by artists Simon Nye, Sean McGrath and Jordan Lauder.

It is the result of 18 months worth of planning and thousands in donations from Argyle fans.

• Listen to BBC Radio Devon: Mural honours Gordon Sparks

Mr McNulty said Sparks was a "fantastic guy" and an "absolute legend".

"Listening to the radio, he brought the game to life," he said.

"When the public are walking through and they are recognising what [the mural] is you know you've hit the nail on the head."

Mr Nye added: "The most important thing is the people have now got somewhere to remember Gordon."