Huge Keely Hodgkinson mural officially unveiled in Atherton

The amazing artwork was unveiled in Atherton town centre on Friday, September 23, with the artists, local councillors, and Keely's parents in attendance.

Located on the side of Hepworth and Hall Opticians on Church Street, it is the work of street artists Kelzo and Entise, who also designed the Alfred Wilkinson mural on Twist Lane in Leigh.

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At the mural's official unveiling on Friday, September 23 (Image: Stuart Gerrard)

In Keely's hometown of Atherton, the artwork is designed to celebrate her incredible sporting achievements - which include a European Championships Gold and an Olympic Silver medal - and inspire the next generation of sports stars.

The intricate work also reflects the history and industrial heritage of Atherton, as well as neighbouring towns of Leigh and Tyldesley, and includes Keely's Leigh Harriers athletics coaches, Margaret and Joe Galvin, in the design.

Keely at the mural before its official unveiling (Image: Stuart Gerrard)

Following Keely's sporting successes, local councillors and business partners agreed on the design earlier this summer.

Wishing to create a vibrant and colourful piece of work that recognised the local Olympian, the project was organised by Atherton Independent Councillor Stuart Gerrard and funded by the Atherton Residents Association and Atherton Community Trust.

The colourful artwork has been created by Kelzo and Entise (Image: Hilary Wilson)

Councillor for Atherleigh John Harding, who helped to organise the project, said: "The mural is a celebration of Keely as a local young woman and her successes in the sporting arena.

"It's a fantastic tribute to Keely but it's also great for the town, where young people can look up at it and think they can do something like that.

"It will be great to see it still looking bright and sharp in ten years' time as a lasting tribute to her and it will inspire people for years to come."

The colourful artwork from a drone view (Image: Ian Holland)