A DAZZLING mural has been unveiled at a Southampton fire station as part of a historic event to launch Black History Month.

The six metre by one and a half metre image depicting Afro-Caribbean men and women to the backdrop of the words One Love is now on the front of St Mary’s fire station.

The mural is the first in the UK and it is the first time in the county the month has beenlaunched at a fire station.

More than 100 people turned up for the event which marked 70 years since the arrival of the Windrush arriving at Southampton docks.

Black History Month co-ordinator Lou Taylor said: “This event was to launch Black History Month and the pièce de résistance is the wonderful, mural that is now brightening up this area of Southampton.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority chairman Cllr Chris Carter said: “

This is one of the most multi-cultural areas in the county and the crews and community have fostered an inspirational relationship.”

There was a short film made by Itchen College Students Christian Garnes and Jack Wilson along with two musical performances by LST and Natasha Watts.

There were also speeches from the former deputy chief of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Wayne McCollin, Romsey and Southampton North MP and Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes, Janet Hills, National Black Police Association president, and Hampshire Constabulary Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Director of Strategic Change Geoff Howsego, St Mary’s Station Manager Paul Parry and Cllr Carter also addressed the packed out fire station along with Sheriff Cllr Peter Baillie and event sponsors.