Kelly Smith mural unveiled in footballer's home town

Football star Kelly Smith has unveiled a mural of herself in her home town.

The specially commissioned 36 sq m (387.5 sq ft) mural of the Lioness is on the upper mall at the Harlequin Shopping Centre in Watford, Hertfordshire.

It marks Smith's footballing journey with local grassroots club Garston Boys team to representing Arsenal and England.

She said she was "honoured to have my footballing achievements celebrated in this way".

Smith played in the United States and for Arsenal where she was part of their quadruple winning season in 2006-7.

She is widely recognised as one of England's greatest ever players with an international career spanning 117 appearances and 46 goals.

She played in two World Cups and four European Championships and represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.

Her mural has been created by internationally recognised artist collective MurWalls which is also known for the Elton John tributes in Watford.

The lead artist on her mural is Mr Meana who also grew up in Watford and played youth football for Garston Boys.

It was unveiled on International Women's Day and was commissioned by the shopping centre.

The company said the artwork was a testament to Smith's "enduring impact on women's football and celebrates her as a role model for future generations".

Centre director Simon Plumb said Smith was "an outstanding role model for girls and young women all over the country, and we wanted to recognise her in her home town of Watford".

Smith said it was surreal to see herself on the wall of the shopping centre.

She thanked those who had brought the commission to life and "everyone who helped me make my dream of becoming a professional footballer a reality".

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