Charlie Landsborough mural unveiled during ceremony in Birkenhead

Renowned Merseyside artist Paul Curtis painted the 2.5m tall mural which captures the heart and spirit of the country star who grew up in Northern Birkenhead and taught at local primary school, Portland Road.

The music legend topped a vote by local residents who were asked to choose a local hero that they wanted to see immortalised on the side of North Birkenhead Train Station.

The leading country and folk musician received 46% of the vote and beat the likes of Dixie Dean and the town's first female mayor, Lady Mary Ann Mercer. 

Carlie Landsborough with key members of the Cradle2Career programme team

Charlie Landsborough, said: “It’s a huge honour to receive this visible accolade in the area, mainly because I’m so proud to call myself an old Northender.

“So much of the person I’ve become stems from both my early life, but also the many influences of family and neighbours in what was a real community.”

He added: “We may not have had much growing up, but we had kindness, love, humour, and we always looked out for each other.

“I was the youngest of 11 children and grew up at 173 Beaufort Road in a house full of music, laughter and animals - chickens, dogs and cats, birds, a duck, and even a monkey at one time. 

“I’m delighted to have been recognised by my fellow Northenders.”

The competition, which was launched by Cradle to Career - a long-term initiative that aims to transform the lives of children and young people in North Birkenhead, is a celebration of the passion, talent, resilience and creativity that has come out of the North End. 

Cradle to Career’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life for all, creating new opportunities for local children and young people, while also improving communication between the community and the organisations that assist them.

The project is supported by Wirral Council and by charitable donations from the Steve Morgan Foundation and SHINE, and managed by Right to Succeed.