A NEW mural was unveiled at the Heights Hotel on Portland today.

The mural, by renowned artist Podi Lawrence, is 12ft by 6ft, and depicts traditional Portland scenes, including shipping, sailing, fishing and diving.

It was unveiled by Podi and Richard Drax, prospective parliamentary candidate for South Dorset.

Podi said: "The mural took about three months to complete. It has been a challenging but delightful experience.

"I set myself the challenge of trying to include as many of the activities that Portland has to offer, and trying to get a bit of history into it too.

"The complicated time was during the painting of Fortuneswell, which took me a week. The cove cottages had to go in. The restriction there was really what not to put in."

Mr Drax said: "I am delighted and hugely honoured to be able to officially unveil the mural. Podi has encapsulated everything that Portland stands for."

Also on display were the plans for Portland’s newest ‘Stone Stack’ sculpture by Portland sculptor Sarah Gilpin.

Sarah said: "Designed specifically for the enclosed space of the Portland visitor information courtyard at the Heights Hotel, and with a maximum height of 40 inches, it is low enough to see and lean over like a big 3D map. Ten foot long by just under three wide, it is stable and secure enough to even climb and sit on."

To recognise and embrace the artistic culture on Portland, the hotel will be offering different courses throughout the year, led by Podi, and has recently begun offering ‘weekend painting breaks’ for people wishing to further their talent.

The events are held for both locals and visitors, and have so far proved popular.

Angie Mustill, operations director said: "Portland is an artist’s paradise with quiet coves, picturesque reserves and some of the best views in Britain.

"We are celebrating this, by having a specially painted mural, for visitors to the Island and the people of Portland to enjoy and admire.

"Podi’s mural is a wonderful depiction of the Island and its many qualities, her work is spectacular, the mural is breath-taking."