Members of the public are welcome to come along to lend a hand.

Work is finally under way on a colourful facelift for one of Axminster’s biggest town centre eyesores.

The first panels of a giant mural around the front of the former Webster’s Garage are being painted.

Axminster Arts spokesman Tim Leat said they were a little behind schedule because of the weather but things were now taking shape.

Professional artist Steve Fisher has designed the colourful hoarding which features scenes of the town, its ancient past, famous citizens and historic church.

He has already completed pictures of The Minster, town square and the new heritage centre, to be cut out and fixed onto the boards,

People are welcome to go along to project HQ – now nicknamed “Steve’s Studio” on the corner of Lyme Road - and help paint some of the scenes. It is open from noon to 3pm every day, except Thursdays.

Mr Fisher is also taking some of the boards along to local youth groups for them to help colour in.

Said Mr Leat: “Steve is working many long hours to get the project moving after an initial slowish start. There are some things which are difficult for the public to help with, hence we are setting some specific times when people can call in. But if there are jobs to be done he will never turn anyone away that may be passing whenever he is in situ.

“I was busy painting the roofs of River Cottage, the Sweet Shop and the NatWest Bank at quarter to ten one night!”

Mr Leat added they remained extremely grateful to Shane and Claire Morgan, of Morgan York, for allowing the, continued use of “Steve’s Studio” and to local builder A J Proctors for all their hard work on the boarding.