Eyesore brushed away by student artists

EVO-STIK Gresley reckon their fans will be impressed with the work of a group of students artists at their Moat Ground over the summer.

To show off their community links, the First Division South's Moatmen teamed up with Year 10 GCSE Art students at Swadlincote's Pingle School to produce an original piece of art, pictured, that has transformed a bare wall left exposed when new ground regulations forced the Derbyshire club to extend their pitch and lose an iconic stand.

Gresley's community officer Matt Toulson said: "We work closely with The Pingle School and it was an obvious partnership with them when we wanted to decorate the wall we have named the community wall. The wall has been empty since the stand was taken down last season and the Moat Ground has lost some of its famous atmosphere as a result.

"The outcome is beyond what we expected. The students and teachers worked really hard and have produced an eye catching design that reflects the heritage of both the club and the area. I think the fans will be very impressed with the final result."

Sarah Taylor, head of art at the school, said: "The wall we were asked to paint is very big which gave us a huge challenge but it enabled us to include a whole range of images that are significant to the community that the school and the club serve."

She added: "I am really proud of our students and their hard work and it was worth it when you see the result."