Southampton city centre train station mural completed

It is hoped the mural will offer an "exciting" welcome to visitors

A city centre train station has a new look after a mural was completed on one of its exterior walls.

Southampton Central Station's south-side stairs have been brightened up by the hand-painted artwork.

The work features highlights of the city and was developed by Poppy Ash as part of a project led by the University of Southampton's John Hansard Gallery.

It is hoped the mural will offer an "exciting" welcome to visitors as they arrive in Southampton.

Southampton City Council called the completed mural a "great advert for our city's creativity, as well as a colourful addition to the city centre".

Artist Poppy Ash worked alongside Callum Young to bring the design to life.

Ms Ash's design had initially impressed the judges of a competition, which had been looking for a local artist to have their work showcased on the front of the John Hansard Gallery's building.

Although not the winner, the gallery was keen to explore other places where Ms Ash's work could be shown - with the artwork being redesigned for the station.

At the time of the work being commissioned, she said she had great memories of Southampton and was "thrilled" to be able to celebrate what the city had to offer.

"I'm excited to see how it transforms the space and can't wait to see how it evolves to spotlight the work of other local artists," she added.

Funding for the mural came from the government's Transforming Cities Fund, as part of wider improvements to the train station.

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