A local artist has brought “a bit of colour to the town” after completing a mural of an “iconic” Aberystwyth scene.

Dean Tweedy, of Marvellous Murals, has completed a large mural, located on Eastgate Street in Aberystwyth, of a starling murmuration with the backdrop of the sun setting behind the Royal Pier.

The mural, which was painted free hand and designed by Dean, took seven days to complete as he spent time “dodging the weather” and discussing the mural with “friendly folk in the town”.

“I spoke to Huw Stevens, the landlord of the building, after he asked me to paint something on the wall,” Dean said.

“He wanted something positive that would be good for the community. We discussed several ideas and one of them was the murmurations of starlings around the pier. Aberystwyth is famous for its pier and its sunsets, the whole scene is an iconic image.

“It’s been really well received, I’m really pleased.

“I’ve painted street art for over 30 years now, long before Banksy came along, and I love the effect it has on communities. It gives people a real sense of identity and many of my murals become well known landmarks.

“I’ve always created work based around local stories, legends, that sort of thing. I like artwork with a story behind it.”

Dean spoke of his interest in how perceptions of street art have changed since starting his mural painting business, Marvellous Murals, over 30 years ago: “It’s weird how perceptions around street art have really changed over the past few years.

“When I first started painting public walls in my youth I was eyed with suspicion as many thought it was vandalism or graffiti but I love the way it is perceived nowadays as something that is positive.

“I’m a big advocate for it because art is generally hidden away in galleries, which can sometimes be intimidating places. I like art in the public realm, so anyone can walk past and discover it.”