DROITWICH residents with an artistic flair are being urged to help paint a giant mural to be unveiled on St Richard's Day.

The huge 14ft by 40ft mural, depicting the life of famous Droitwich son Edward Winslow, will be painted from 9am on Saturday, April 9 at St Andrew’s Shopping Centre.

Droitwich Arts Network (DAN) and students from Westacre Middle School - who designed the mural - will lead the painting session, which runs until 4pm.

Malcolm Wakeman, chair of DAN, said: "The enthusiasm of Westacre’s creative team is infectious.

"Jo Riddleston and her Westacre pupils have come up with a highly original approach to this year's mural and the standard of the children’s work is outstanding."

The finished piece will be unveiled by the Mayor of Droitwich, Councillor Graham Beale, on Saturday, April 30 above the Middlewich canal basin, near Malvern Tyres, in Vines Park.

The unveiling will coincide with the launch of this year's St Richard's Boat and Car Festival, which will run until Monday, May 2.

The festival celebrates St Richard, Droitwich's patron saint, and includes a host of activities from Medieval reenactments to boat trips on the canal.

Westacre students recently met at DAN's pop-up Gallery in The Meetbox to transfer their design onto the mural material.

Edward Winslow, who was born in Droitwich, sailed to America on the Mayflower in 1620 and helped to set up the Plymouth Colony.

Anyone interested in taking part in the painting should meet outside Boots and Peacock's in St Andrew's Shopping Centre, Droitwich. Paints, brushes and protective clothing will be provided.