A GLOOMY underpass in Colchester has been lit up with colour by a French artist.

Adrian Leroy, 40, has lived in Colchester for eight years and has been painting for more than half his life.

He has worked with Colchester Council on previous artistic projects in the St Mary’s and St John’s car park stairwells, and his latest piece has now brought vibrant jungle and ocean scenes to Stanway.

After about 28 days of work, Adrian unveiled his new mural in the underpass on Lucy Lane.

Ocean - Adrian has painted one end of the underpass with sea creatures, fish and corals Ocean - Adrian has painted one end of the underpass with sea creatures, fish and corals (Image: Newsquest) He said: “I wanted to do something cheerful and colourful. Whether you’re five, 20 or 80 it makes you smile and you can relate to it.

“My inspiration is nature, and the underpass is quite a dark area, so I just wanted to brighten it up.

“Everyone loves it — it has been really positive and well received.”

The underpass is on the walking route for many children’s journeys to school, and it is part of many residents’ walks underneath the A12.

The last mural was painted in 2006, but the paintwork was suffering the ravages of time and the weather.

Team - (L-R) Artist Adrian Leroy, Mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell, and zone warden for Stanway Nick Key Team - (L-R) Artist Adrian Leroy, Mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell, and zone warden for Stanway Nick Key (Image: Newsquest)Colchester mayor and Stanway councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell championed the project and gave “a big thank you” to Colchester Council for the funding.

She also contributed some of her own locality budget to show her commitment to the project and the community.

Ms Scott-Boutell said: “It’s just so bright and cheerful, and it’s become a community project because people have come down to see Adrian and suggested many additions.

“There’s so much for children to look at and so many talking points as they walk through, so it’s becoming a destination for children.”

Happy - Resident Kelly Madle (centre) has spent time talking with Adrian while he worked Happy - Resident Kathy Madle (centre) has spent time talking with Adrian while he worked (Image: Newsquest) Resident Kathy Madle, 77, said her grandchildren have been enjoying the new mural on their way to the park.

She said: “I brought the grandchildren down here because they like to run up and down.

“What a nice environment it is now.”

Adrian added: “I’m grateful to everyone and for the community, they have been amazing and so nice and supportive.

“That’s what art does — it brings people together regardless of where you’re from and who you are.”

Adrain’s work can be found on Instagram at @leroymurals.