A student from Kings Park Academy has been rewarded for contributing to giving an underpass in Boscombe a new look.

And subsequently, Angela was presented with a canvas of her artwork which helped inspire the mural project in the underpass near the Sovereign Centre. Along with other school students, she had entered an art competition held in partnership between BCP Council and MBN Arts.

MBN Arts were commissioned to artistically regenerate and transform the walls and ceiling of a 78-foot pedestrian underpass by Boscombe bus station. The funding was made available through Bournemouth Towns Fund as part of the arts and culture project within the Boscombe regeneration programme.

The school design competition encouraged the students to contribute to the design process of the mural project. Their challenge was to create artwork to connect with the local community and reflect the wildlife and environment, which would act as an inspiration for the mural artwork that can be seen on the underpass.

The artist completing the mural, Humble Cherub, integrated the winning entry’s ideas into the final artwork, a process which took 12 days.

Mike Ness and an MBN Arts student produced a canvas painting of Angela’s winning entry – a picture of a Rhino – which was presented to her at her school assembly.

Cllr Jane Kelly, portfolio holder for Communities, Health and Leisure said: “I would like to thank all the children who produced such wonderful artwork, and would like to congratulate Angela on her winning entry. The mural is absolutely beautiful, and it’s all down to the creative ideas from the children who helped inspire this stunning piece of work which all the community and visitors can enjoy.”

Mike Ness, managing director and creative wellbeing mentor, MBN Arts said: “We have loved collaborating with both BCP Council and Kings Park Primary School, and as a special thank you to the student competition winner, we will be creating a custom painted canvas by one of our artists. I hope this mural will inspire the local community and visitors as I know that not enough people can access art exhibitions, however the power of street art is that it goes to people’s daily lives.”

Lauren Dean, principal, Kings Park Academy said: “The children at King’s Park Academy have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this community project and using their imaginations to create wonderful pieces of artwork. We are very proud of Angela and excited that her ideas inspired the beautiful mural in Boscombe underpass.”