THE Claire House mascot is among a host of characters featured on a colourful new mural welcoming visitors to the hospice.

Situated in the reception area at the Clatterbridge site, the five-metre high features three helpers and a number of butterflies five-metre high mural just completed by local artist Graham Boyd of Absolutely Design.

Talking about the project, Graham said: "On my first visit, I arrived with some trepidation not really knowing what to expect.

"But you soon realise that the approach of the whole organisation is really positive and welcoming and we all felt the main job of the mural was to get that feeling across to visitors as soon as they arrive and to visitors of all ages".

Graham started Absolutely Design last year when he retired from his role as a Director at Wirral based hi-tech manufacturer Evoke Creative.

Since then he has completed a dozen projects, one of which was shortlisted for the Inspired Spaces North award and another for B&M Waste Services Bromborough, involved drawing one of their bin wagons, full size!.

Jess Campbell, partnerships manager at Claire House was integral to the organisation of the project and said: "Graham took the time to get know the team at Claire House and listened to what the children, families, staff and volunteers would like to brighten up the walls.

"He understood our brief perfectly and meticulously designed colourful, bright and happy murals to make everyone smile".

The reception area bustles with activity during the day meaning Graham and Daniel Crawford, the facilities site supervisor, had to work late into the night to ensure the project was completed without hindering the smooth running of the hospice.

The reception mural is the latest in a series that Graham has painted for Claire House over the past 12 months.

The others being at the hospice's new Liverpool site, a converted monastery, where their additional colour and humour have been particularly welcome.

Jess Campbell continued: "Graham went the extra mile and included lots of the children's hand prints from our mums and tots group in one of the murals!"