A MURAL which has already captured the attention of Darlington residents is being unveiled next week to mark the 155th anniversary of Arthur Wharton.

Arthur Wharton was the first black professional footballer in the world - he played as a goalkeeper for Darlington.

On Wednesday, October 28 to commemorate 155 years of Arthur Wharton a mural artwork will be unveiled commissioned by BT Sport.

Shaun Campbell from Darlington, set up the Arthur Wharton Foundation where the mural is being painted.

Mr Campbell said: "We're painting a seminal moment for Darlington, it's a mural of Arthur Wharton, the world's first black professional footballer, also the world's first fastest man on the planet and this will all get launched on the 28th of October, which is the 155th anniversary of Arthur Wharton. Welcome to a great piece of art.

"People have obviously been photographing it from the outside, but to see the whole piece the centre will be open for people who want to come in and look at it up close."

BT Sport have been filming for the past four days as the mural has been created at Widdowfield Street.

Mr Campbell said: "The Arthur Wharton Foundation Centre is the first of its kind. The centre is for the community to use - we have some really exciting plans on how we want to use this centre - to bring back a real sense of community with sports, we have exercise classes."