CREATIVE youngsters will be painting a huge mural on a 20ft wall in a park as part of a project led by police in Hawkwell.

More than 30 young people have been involved in the spray can art project which culminates this weekend with painting the mural in Magnolia Park.

Led by artist Scott Irving of Brave Arts, they have been working on concepts for the mural, which reflects countryside areas of Rochford district and the urban area of Southend.

The youngsters’ designs have been given the green light by Hawkwell Parish Council, which owns the park.

The project has been organised by a number of local bodies including Essex Police, Rochford District Council, Hawkwell Parish Council, and Hawkwell Baptist Church Youth Ministry.

Andrew Hill, police community support officer, said: “It has given the youngsters a creative outlet for their talents while encouraging respect for their surroundings.

“Having pride in their community means they will be less likely to become involved in antisocial behaviour, such as graffiti vandalism.

“It has also given police the opportunity to drive home the message that such antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and to spell out the penalties for anyone caught committing graffiti-related offences.”