A MURAL honouring the NHS has popped up on the side of a town restaurant.

A mural depicting a nurse holding a rainbow butterfly has appeared on the side of pizza restaurant La Roma on Northgate, in Darlington. Rainbows have emerged as the symbol for solidarity.

Stuart Banks, from the Cockerton area, spotted the painting while driving past and "thought it was amazing".

He said: "I haven't seen anything on this scale – obviously you see the chalk drawings people have done on their front gardens and pathways, and all the rainbows in people's windows.

"It's nice to see the town showing their support for the NHS.

"I imagine it means a lot to them to know that the public appreciate the amazing work they are doing, and hopefully it gives them a sense of pride and gives them a little boost during the harder times."

The piece was created by County Durham artist Lucas Roy and popped up about a month ago but has gained traction recently as social distancing begins to ease and more people are in the town.

Mr Roy came up with the idea and approached La Roma, who he says were happy to have it painted.

He said: "Art has been said to be one of the highest forms of hope.

"I've worked with the ambulance service before and understand the physical and mental sacrifices frontline workers need to talk to help strangers so I'm happy to help when and in the way that I can."