New mural welcomes visitors to Bideford
Torridge District CouncilA new mural welcoming visitors to Bideford has been unveiled in Mill Street.
The 2m by 2m (6.5ft by 6.5ft) artwork has been created in a vintage advertising style and, according to the local council, has been inspired by the colours of dusk and the local starlings that fly in a murmuration by the bridge.
The initiative has been made possible due to funding from the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Bideford-based artist Ryan Ward said he was delighted to have been given the opportunity to design the mural, which sits at the gable end of Country Cottage Bakery.
He said: "I have lived in Bideford on and off for many years. I have travelled and worked away, but always come back to Bideford.
"Driving back home and looking at the old bridge from the new bridge gives me a sense of relaxation
"I love the area, the people and community that we have.
"As the saying goes: 'Love where you live.' This is very true."
Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].