The mural depicts the world's oceans

It took Kevin Cantwell 254 hours to complete the design in the room at St John Ogilvie School which is 28ft long, 24ft wide and 20ft high.

He said it was a bit of a challenge, but he was satisfied with the result.

Head teacher Eleanor McGinley said the school had not had a library in 21 years.

The library was officially opened by local MSP Wendy Alexander.

Mr Cantwell, 36, who has three children at the school and is a budding artist, painted the mural.

Mrs McGinley said the school was relieved to have a library and that the pupils were delighted with the end product.

"I had a dream that the school deserved a library and one which we could all be proud of," she said.

"Mr Cantwell's work is absolutely marvellous and it makes the library such a happy and attractive environment for children to learn."

I had a dream that the school deserved a library and one which we could all be proud of Eleanor McGinley Head teacher

Mr Cantwell took "a leap of faith" and agreed to meet the challenge and complete the work as and when his time would allow.

Mrs McGinley said the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) approached the artist after raising �5,000 to fund the work.

In addition, the school received �3,000 in grants over 18 months to help finance the library and the purchase of new books.

The library has about 500 books for the 196-pupil school to enjoy.

Head for heights

Mr Cantwell said it was a tough job but he was delighted the pupils were happy with the library.

"It was a bit of a challenge being up that high," he said.

"I don't mind saying I'm happy with the job."

Mrs McGinley, who will retire at Christmas, said next year's priority was to extend the range and variety of books.

She said the Pacific Ocean part of the mural boasted a desert island, which she had renamed "McGinley's island".