AN innovative project has seen more than 30 young people from in and around Watchet create their own graffiti in the town.

The youngsters, aged between 14 and 19, worked with Bristol street artist Lee Kirby to bring their designs to life as large-scale graphic images on wooden boards around the multi-use games area in Watchet Memorial Ground on Saturday.

PCSO Rachel Cutler organised the initiative to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the area after asking the young people how they would like to use their time in a more positive way.

She put their suggestion into practice with funding from Somerset Crimebeat and The Community Safety Partnership and support from individuals and organisations in the area.

PCSO Cutler said: “The young people told me they were bored and liked doing graffiti, so I facilitated this in a constructive manner that would benefit not only them but also the community.

“This project has been a huge success and the youngsters involved are still buzzing from it. They have really taken ownership of the area and nothing has been damaged since the project began.

“Graffiti street art is perceived to be anti-social but this initiative shows that with the right talent, respect and skills, it is in fact very much an art. I am very proud of the young people involved.”

It is planned to complete the area with a mural depicting Watchet landmarks such as the Esplanade, the lighthouse and the West Somerset Railway over the next few weeks.

Michael Rowe, 18, who took part in the project, said: “Everyone enjoyed themselves, we had fun. It was something to do in Watchet and kept us occupied and off the streets for a few hours on Saturday.

“Everyone had a good time and we just want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped get it started.”