CREATING a mural in front of a council building is "the equivalent of painting the Sistine Chapel" for an artist.

Generoso Napoliello, who studied at a fine art academy in Naples, Italy, is painting a mural on the white boards in front of Gravesham Council's Civic Centre for free.

The boards have been put up while refurbishment works are being carried out on the building, which is closed to the public until January 2.

Mr Napoliello, known as Gino, is creating a scene from Beauty and the Beast, the pantomime being staged at the Woodville Halls Theatre this year.

Gravesham Council is providing the paint and equipment.

The 35-year-old, who moved to Gravesend from Italy 10 years ago, is doing the work as a thank-you to the community which made him welcome.

He said: "I am very excited about this as for me it's the equivalent of painting the Sistine Chapel in Rome."