AN artist whose work can be found across Stockton town centre has been remembered.

Zak Newton created a number of artworks in the town over the last 15 years.

His final piece was a clever and thought provoking mural on the back of the newly restored West Row Arts building.

A commemorative plaque has been unveiled on the mural to recognise his contribution to the town.

Zak's son, 20 year old John Newton, finished the work on behalf of his father, who sadly passed away in August before the mural was complete.

The mural was specially designed by Zak Newton and is his third piece of work in the town.

He also created the painting of the Locomotion No 1 mural in Bishop Street Car Park and a mural in Green Dragon Yard.

The West Row Mural was commissioned as part of the town's multi-million pound regeneration scheme.

It celebrates A Century of Change at the former site of Stockton Fire Station (1883 to 1965).

John Newton said: "I completed 'A Century of Change' by painting the panels of coal that resides on the right side of the building. The mural leaves us all with a lasting reminder of my dad's artistic vision and passion for art by the people, for the people."

The mural is made up of three elements.

The first element is the painted representation of the shadow of what was - the painting of the West Row facade and tower of the fire station. Based on photographic records it creates the impression that the façade is still there and casts a shadow from the morning sun in summer. It incorporates the ‘shades’ of imagined firemen, in commemoration of the site. The second element of the work is the fireplace once the heart of every home.

The third element occupies the west-facing gable end. It comprises three mirrored panels and three painted panels replicating the warehouse architecture of the area.