PLANS for the installation of an 80-metre long mosaic at Robin Hood’s Bay are moving a step closer with the North York Moors National Park Authority preparing a section of the sea wall ahead of the artwork being mounted towards the end of this year.

Next Wednesday 22 June the local community is being invited by the North York Moors National Park to help join rangers and apprentices in the painting of an unloved section of sea wall adjacent to a path that visitors follow to reach the popular village.

The mosaic, which is being created by artist Ruth Wilkinson in her North Yorkshire studio at Pateley Bridge, is being funded through the Coastal Communities Fund as part of the ‘Sea Life, See Life’ project.

The artwork will comprise numerous individual hand-glazed pottery tiles mounted on boards that will then be fixed to the painted wall.

The final designs will depict an iconic image of the village as well as following key themes and historical references in the 160 million-year history of Robin Hood’s Bay, from the dinosaur era through to the heyday of smuggling, notable points in the RNLI’s history, fishing and the rise in popularity as a seaside destination.

As part of this, the National Park is also inviting people to bring along small mementoes of Robin Hood’s Bay finds such as coins, fossils or stones that the artist can incorporate into some of the tiles.

The mosaic is due to be completed and installed over several days in November.

Emily Watson from the North York Moors National Park said: “Local businesses and villagers have been heavily involved in the design of the mosaic which will turn a blank wall into a vibrant, inspiring piece of art that will create a great impression as visitors make their way into the village.

“The incorporation of people’s mementoes will personalise the artwork even more and add further interest alongside the artist’s interpretation of the village’s history.”