A TOWER block in Southampton is now coated in the iconic colours of the city's football club as work began to paint it red and white.

Albion Towers, in St Mary's, will be spruced up as part of major plans by Southampton City Council to give six tower blocks in the city a revamp.

Initially discussed back in 2016, work has started on the 15-storey block which overlooks Saints' St Mary's Stadium.

Councillor Warwick Payne, cabinet member for Housing and Adult Care at the city council, said he expected the renovations to be concluded by early 2018.

He said: "With Albion Towers just a stones throw away from the football club and often seen on television when Saints play, it was natural for the red and white colour scheme to be chosen.

"As with every tower block, we conducted a poll with residents to ask what their preferred choice was.

"In the case of Albion Towers, they were for Saints colours - but it's important to stress to won't be red and white stripes."

He added: "We used an actual shirt from the club's shirt to get the exact shade of red and white correct so it is completely on point.

"It was the tenants that decided but I am personally pleased about the choice. They are not just the colours of the football team but are the civic colours as well. It would be a sad day when Southampton can't be proud of its civic colours."

As part of the plans, new windows and sprinkler systems have been installed at the tower block.

Residents were quick to show their pleasure with the new colour scheme.

Gurdit Singh, 32, said: "It's nice that they're the colour of Southampton as it shows some pride in where we live.

"It brings together the club and residents well and are two really nice colours."

Qamruzzama Sayed, 36, added: "It's looking a lot better than it did before.

"It makes the building look a lot better and nicer to come back to. I'm really happy with it."

Other buildings to benefit from the city council's ECO programme include Sturminster House, Shirley Towers, Milner Court and properties in Thornhill.

Part of the programme saw £21m of money from the council's housing budget and £6m from British Gas being used to carry out carry out insulation and other improvements at 1,500 council properties.