MID-WAY through an exceptionally busy Easter Saturday morning, a group of around 50 people gathered in Teignmouth Arts Quarter to welcome the return of the widely appreciated mural of Muse, writes Viv Wilson.

Noted local street artist Mos Shaw created a re-run with his distinctive layer-effect of Matt, Chris and Dom, the famous band who have put Teignmouth on the world music map since their formation in 1995.

There was an outcry of disappointment when the original mural was painted out during a refurb of the property and, since then, people have been quietly working behind the scenes to ensure its return.

Volunteer drummers Martyn Hillstead and Penny Lloyd led the crowd across to view the mural, surrounded by ribbons by TAAG founders Liz Lockyear and Roger Smith, whose brief and upbeat words were well received by the crowd.

Sam Birtwistle (Voyage Fair Trade) and Robin Brown (The Cave music project) were thanked for their support, and Jackie Wolstenholme, mother of bass player Chris, and his eldest son, Alfie, also attended.

Cllr Sylvia Russell, who facilitated the funding, gave a dynamic address, voicing her delight with the project and recalling the weekend of the Muse concerts on The Den, describing them as the most exciting events she had in office, that would be forever in her memory.

She expressed the town’s pride in the achievements of the band.