A small yard in Maryport's Fleming Square holds an amazing secret.

Jim O'Rourke, who lives in the square, is a landscape gardener who decided to experiment to discover whether garden walls in Britain could take the bright colours found in Mediterranean countries. 

He commissioned local artist Alan Roper, who had painted a mural at the Settlement in Maryport and for the Scouts climbing wall in the town. 

Jim said: "I told him I wanted him to use primary colours and left him to it."

He and wife Jackie were both surprised when Alan arrived produced an amazing marine inspired mural.

"It is amazing," Jim said. "I do believe that Alan could make a career out of this."

Alan, 51, of Camp Road, is a graphics designer who studied at Carlisle college and Newcastle University.

When he was made redundant a few years ago, he began doing volunteer work at the Settlement in Maryport and has carved a new career by painting murals, running art classes and helping our where needed.

He said he would be willing to do more garden walls if he was asked. He added: "What I would really like to do is get back into graphics, so if there is anyone out there looking to employ a graphics designer, I am here."