St Ives haulage firm employs graffiti artist to brighten up its vehicles

A ST Ives based construction transport company has taken a unique stance on the problem of graffiti by using the art form to decorate its vehicles.

Mick George Limited in Second Drove has employed the talents of St Neots grattifi artist Jonnie Barton to spray the company's logo on the side of the fleet.

The idea was the brainchild of the firm's financial director, Jon Stump, who saw Jonnie's artwork on Barford Bridge in Pocket Park, St Neots.

Jonnie was commissioned to put his stamp on the bridge by Huntingdonshire District Council's countryside services team and Natural High, a charity that works with vulnerable young people. The brick bridge was decorated with a scene of the houses, lake and park in the background - as if the bridge were transparent.

Jonnie has become internationally acclaimed after winning the 2008 UK heat of Write4Gold competition, a world-wide prestigious street art competition. He went on to represent the UK in the European finals of the competition in Germany and finished third.

As a professional graffiti artist, Jonnie and his company Kosha Creations have undertaken a wide range of projects for companies and youth organisations across the UK. Earlier this year he completed a mural depicting a pictorial history of St Neots on the back wall of Crosskeys Mews near the Priory Centre.

Mr Stump said: "I thought the application of graffiti art to our bulk vehicles would be eye-catching, contemporary and unique. Jonnie's brief was to supply designs for his interpretation of the name Mick George in his own unique style."

He added: "Our vehicles used to be a bit bland but they have benefited enormously from the distinctive new graphics created by Jonnie and they continue to generate many favourable comments from our customers and the general public. We aim to continue using Jonnie's services to brighten up our ever-expanding fleet of vehicles.