Rik Mayall tribute mural painted on Harlow Playhouse Published duration 14 August 2014

image copyright Gnasher image caption The tribute to comedian Rik Mayall has been painted on doors of the Harlow Playhouse

A 20ft (6m) high mural of Rik Mayall has been created in his birthplace in Essex.

The comedian died in June, aged 56, from an " acute cardiac event ", his wife said.

Street artist Dave Nash decided he wanted to pay tribute to Mayall when he found out he shared his home town of Harlow with the comedian.

Mr Nash suggested the idea to Harlow Council, which found a suitable space on the doors of the town's playhouse.

"I grew up watching Rik Mayall in The Young Ones and Bottom," said Mr Nash, who paints under the tag Gnasher.

"It blew my mind when I found out he was from Harlow too, and I wanted to remember his life in some way in the town."

'Fitting tribute'

Mayall was born in Harlow but raised in Worcestershire which he left in 1976 to study drama at Manchester University.

Mr Nash, who now lives in Norwich, said he hoped the mural would bring a smile to people's face.

image caption Mr Nash said he hoped the mural would prompt people to find out more about the comedian

Harlow councillor Emma Toal said: "At first we had difficulty finding such a large space for the mural but we think the town's theatre, which entertains thousands of people every year, is the perfect location for this tribute.

"We felt if we could help recognise the joy he brought to so many people we should do something.

"The final result is absolutely stunning and a fitting tribute to a man who made millions laugh."