THE bare wall of a family fish shop on Sidmouth sea-front will become a massive mural with the help of a hundred children.

THE bare wall of a family fish shop on Sidmouth sea-front will become a massive mural with the help of a hundred children.

Mums behind the project hope a vibrant piece of art will help regenerate The Ham and complement a �40,000 play area revamp.

Children will have a chance to paint their own tile for the mural next Wednesday, April 13, as part of a fun day which ties in with a public consultation over the playground.

Play companies’ visions for the children’s area will be revealed for the first time and families can vote for their favourite.

The seascape-themed artwork, on a Bagwell’s Wet Fish Shop wall, will feature fish, creatures and plants. One hundred tiles will be handed to children to paint before their work is later fired and stuck to the wall.

Organisers Louise Cole and artist Coco Hodgkinson hope the project, which will cost more than �1,000, will benefit residents and visitors, engage youngsters in the regeneration of The Ham and promote community support for sustainable fishing and environmental awareness.

They want to link the project to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s Fish Fight campaign.

“We want April 13 be a real community event. It’s about getting everyone involved,” said Coco.

Fish shop owners Mary and Kay Bagwell said they “didn’t think twice” when approached about a mural.

“We’re just happy to be involved- it’s good for the children,” said Kay.

A bouncy castle, the National Marine Aquarium, face painting and circus skills will all feature in the fun day and consultation from 2pm to 6pm.

The Sid Vale Association has donated �250 to the mural project.

“We wish the children every success as they contribute to it,” said chairman Handel Bennett.

l More fun day details in next Friday’s Herald.