LOCAL artist John Bulley has painted a special portrait in the middle of Southend High Street to mark World Down Syndrome Week.

John painted a mural of Amy - a local girl who has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

The image John used was taken by local photographer Niki Cornish.

And the mural was made possible thanks to the work of John and Project 49.

Pete Shrimplin, of Project 49, said: “It’s a continuation of our campaign to reach out to people with learning disabilities.

“John and I thought it was such a beautiful image taken by Niki Cornish and John wanted to paint it somewhere in Southend.

“John and Amy have worked on lots of projects together in the past and he wanted to do a big mural of her.

“We think that the mural will bring smiles to the whole town.”