ART lovers were ready for Eddie who has become a new resident at a Runcorn park.

Eddie the Lizard, a mosaic feature that has appeared in Runcorn Hill Park, was unveiled by creator Patricia Lee last Sunday.

Mrs Lee said: “Creating Eddie has been a pleasure. He’s a colourful character – I’ve used lots of reds, gold and turquoise to make him as bright and cheerful as possible.

“His naming came about one night as I worked into the early hours after watching comedian Eddie Izzard’s incredible 43 marathon challenge. I hope that ‘Eddie Lizard’ will also inspire some hearts and minds if only to make you stop, take a breath and take pleasure in something beautiful.”

The colourful public artwork was commissioned by the Friends of Runcorn Hill, whose aim is to bring residents closer to art and culture and pay homage to some of their more unusual residents.

Val Foot, chairman of Friends of Runcorn Hill, said: “We are very proud that The Hill is one of the few sites in the north west where the common lizard can be found and we wanted to help celebrate this through art. We have also installed basking plates at various locations on the Hill so we’re sure Eddie will feel very at home here!”

The project was funded by the Halton Borough Council Area Forum and children from schools including Victoria Road Primary School, Weston County Primary and Grange Learning and Development helped out in mosaic workshops.