Mural gives South Shields school's nursery a new look

Monkton Infant School commissioned artist Lynda Nelson to paint the scene after deciding to turn the plain entrance area into an enchanting welcome for its children.

The finished piece features the stars of some of the youngster’s favourite animals and monsters from stories including the Tiger Who Came to Tea, Kipper the Dog, the Gruffalo, the Smartest Giant in Town, Owl Babies, Elma the Elephant and Stick Man.

The work covers three walls of the entrance way to the nursery, which is on the school’s Bainbridge Avenue site.

Headteacher Clare Askwith said: “The decor was very official and we wanted to make the children come into an environment that was theirs, so we thought about story tales and characters.

“We’re just amazed by what she’s done.

“It’s massive because it covers all three walls and an alcove and goes from the floor to the ceiling.

“It gives the nursery children ownership of their nursery and they are so excited about it.

“Now it’s finished it looks amazing.”

The mural is one of several completed by Lynda at the South Shields school.

Others include a woodland mural in the hall and artwork which depicts fruit and vegetables, ogres and a countryside theme on the yard wall.

Previous projects elsewhere include the painted buoys on show next to the Tyne Tunnel, along with on children’s book illustrations and educational magazines.