THE work of a professional graffiti artist on a pathway bridge is getting rave reviews from residents.

Tony Brady, known as “Kelzo”, has started a project to paint artwork on a 200m flood basin wall which joins Sportsman Street in Leigh to land near Parsonage Retail Park.

So far the 48-year-old has incorporated history such as Bickershaw Colliery on to the wall as well as spontaneous additions such as animals which have been suggested by passers-by.

The project has been commissioned by the Environment Agency.

Tony, who has been doing graffiti art for 35 years, said: “I feel honoured that I am doing the mural and I want to connect with the people of Leigh and hopefully they will respect it.

“I have been getting lots of complements and comments from people going past so far and I have noticed the delight on young and old people’s faces. I want to make the walk over the bridge an enjoyable one.

“I am including different themes in the mural about the town and its history especially its mining past.

“A lot of the designs are also spontaneous such as the animals and I am picking up on ideas when people are walking past and talking to me.”

The first section that Tony has started painting from Sportsman Street includes a small bridge crossing.

On the bridge he has mimicked its background on both sides which are brought to life by the bright colours used and the fish he has painted.

Kelzo's work has also featured on television programmes Coronation Street, Eastenders and Happy Valley.

His art appeared in a 1997 film starring Russell Crowe called Breaking Up in an area of the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York too.

He also painted the flood basins on old Manchester racecourse in Kersal and enjoys working with park groups to spruce up old buildings.

Tony is aware of people’s concerns about his type of art as well.

He said: “I have not got a problem with people who object to my work.

"They might think it could attract negative graffiti being added but hopefully that won’t happen and people will appreciate it.

“I know from the reaction I have received from people passing and on social media that I have the community on my side though.”

Tony hopes to have the mural completed in the next two months.

He added: “It is tiring mentally with coming up with the designs and physically in creating it.

“I am slowly making my way across the bridge and one day I will get there.”