A painting depicting 1,000 years of community life will be revealed this week to mark the new millennium.

Artist Brian Woodcock will be on hand to watch his acrylic picture, titled Spirit Of 2000, unveiled at Friars Community Centre, Constable Way, Shoebury.

The realistic landscape shows a majestic sunrise over Shoebury East beach.

A series of landmark buildings have been included in the work of art as well as images of Shoebury school children. Tony North, chairman of the Friars Community Centre management board, said the picture was commissioned to celebrate the millennium.

The idea was sparked by a sculpture which was ordered to mark the opening of the community centre in 1974.

Southend Mayor, Mr North, said: "We thought we should do something similar to what was done when the centre was opened.

"An invitation went out last year to local artists asking them to come forward with some ideas - whether it was for a painting or a sculpture or whatever."

Children from St George's Roman Catholic Primary School in Eagle Way can be seen coming from the two churches and heading towards the sunrise.

The painting shows one of Shoebury's oldest churches, St Mary's, opposite the town's newest place of worship, Shoebury Baptist Church.

The painting will be unveiled at a special ceremony this Friday from 8pm.

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