Super garden mural of South Shields coastline painted by teacher during lockdown

Megan McCall, who lives on Anderson Street, South Shields can now enjoy the spectacular views of the seafront without leaving her home.

The 24-year-old, who only qualified as a supply teacher last year, found her career put on hold when the schools closed due to the outbreak of coronavirus last month.

Stuck at home, Megan picked up a paintbrush and spent four days of lockdown working on a mural of the coastline, which spans two fences of the communal garden she shares with her neighbours.

“It was my dad who have me the idea as I was getting bored at home,” she said.

“I’ve lived in South Shields all my life, so it’s a view that means a lot to me.

“I wanted it to have a little bit of everything – I had to include the sea and Marsden rock.

Megan added: “I really enjoyed doing it. Before I did my teacher training I was a performing arts student, so I’ve always been quite creative.”

And her masterpiece has brought some sunshine into the lives of her neighbours too, while everyone looks forward to days spent on the beach after lockdown.

“It’s a communal garden, the neighbours can use it as well so it’s been nice to see their reactions,” said Megan.

“I’ve had a really good response from people – I think it has cheered us all up.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.