A giant mural has been painted to raise awareness of a children's hospice and "spread joy".

The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Swindon has announced its new partnership with Julia's House, a children's hospice providing care for seriously ill children in Wiltshire.

The painting has "delighted and surprised" shoppers and "spread joy and raised awareness" for the charity.

The mural, which is around four metres high and sits in one of the archways at the North Entrance to the Designer Outlet, was designed and painted by Judy Guillery.

Ms Guillery said: "It’s the largest painting I’ve ever attempted, and I was quite nervous but excited by the challenge.

"Because we were painting in the open air, the biggest hurdle was actually the weather – we chose one of the wettest weeks to start painting."

The muralThe mural (Image: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet) The mural depicts a house with a yellow bear, the Julia’s House logo, being lifted into the sky by colourful balloons in various shapes, including balloon dogs, bears, hearts, smiley emojis, and a steam train.

Ms Guillery added: "For me, the mural design shows how Julia’s House brings joy, care, comfort, and fun to children and families who are having the toughest time.

"It also shows that we can all help lift-up local children and families who need our help, by supporting Julia’s House."

Julia’s House corporate fundraiser, Jo Common, said: "We’re delighted that the Swindon designer outlet have chosen to support Julia’s House over the next year, and we’re thrilled we were able to work with Judy on this beautiful mural to raise awareness of our vital care for Swindon families.

"As a charity, we rely almost entirely on donations to fund our lifeline of support for local children and families.

"We currently receive just eight per cent government funding, and due to rising costs and demand for our service, we’re sadly facing a £1m budget deficit this year.

“It’s incredible and essential that we have the support of businesses like the Swindon designer outlet.

"And we’re hugely grateful to local shoppers who have donated to Julia’s House at our donation stations inside the shopping centre as well.”

Ms Guillery's 13-year-old son, Morgan, also helped with the finishing touches on the mural.

Ms Guillery said: "We had so many shoppers stopping to speak to us and watch us paint, it was really lovely.

"They were also queuing up to stroke Smudge my dog, who loves all the attention and features in most of my artwork."