Giant pink teddy mural sparks happy memories

The artist said the work was about remembering special moments from childhood

A giant mural of a pink bear sitting on a deck chair eating an ice cream has been unveiled in Cleethorpes.

The artwork by London-based artist LUAP, also known as Paul Robinson, is located on Market Street in the resort.

Mr Robinson, who is originally from Grimsby, said it was about remembering "those special moments" from childhood.

"It's fun, but at the same time has a meaning," he added.

Home town bear

Talking about the inspiration for the mural, the artist said: "I was going through a period of depression in my life, and started having cognitive behavioural therapy.

"I recalled this image from my childhood and started putting it in my artwork as a way of addressing the challenges we deal with as adults."

Mr Robinson said he had taken the bear all over the world, including Mongolia, New Zealand and Dubai.

However, he said he chose Cleethorpes as the latest location for his work after being asked by a local community project.

"It's nice to come back to my home town and create something for the local community," he said.

"It's quite nostalgic."

Mr Robinson said he wanted to create something for the local community to enjoy

He said the bear in the mural was eating a melted ice cream, which he said acted as a metaphor for life passing by and a reminder "to enjoy those special moments".

"I think it's those joyful moments we hang on to, and if we having a bad day we can go back to those memories and feel a bit happier," he added.

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