Artist draws seaside characters as cartoons - and people are stunned at the likenesses

Colourful cartoons of seaside characters are bringing a ray of sunshine and cheery smiles to Great Yarmouth whatever the weather.

Brimming with all the fun and frivolity associated with the jingling resort the pictures are the work of a loyal visitor who is passionate about the town.

Jonathan ‘JJ’ Lucia-Wright, 43, from Peterborough, has been visiting since he was a child and says Yarmouth has lost none of its appeal over the years.

And where some people see a faded heyday or peeling paint he says it all adds to the character of the holiday hub – giving all his subjects joyful smiles and bubbly, busy backdrops – and handing them the drawings for free.

Mr Lucia-Wright started producing his cartoon creations when he developed a problem with his sight.

“I went to art college and had always drawn on and off. But when that happened I started drawing more, I think really through the fear of not being able to do it any more,” he said.

“It made me realise how much I enjoyed it and the enjoyment it gives other people.

“We love it here. It just makes you feel like a kid again. Bits of it are old, some are new, some are tatty but it’s just got that magic.

“It’s just a really friendly town.”

Mr Lucia-Wright was visiting this week with his wife Claire. He handed out some 20 drawings to happy recipients, spanning market traders, tea shop owners, ice cream sellers and hairdressers.

Among them was Matt Smith of Sara’s Tearooms on the seafront. He said he was delighted with the team portrait saying he was stunned by likenesses Mr Lucia-Wright was able to achieve, just from photographs.

The 43-year-old who runs a charity for disabled people and teaches part-time said although people were very kind and often offered him a cuppa he never asked for any payment.

The joy of capturing his subjects and seeing their reaction was reward enough, he said, adding it was a pleasure to be able to champion the town he loved which continued to add to his bank of happy memories.

Mr Lucia-Wright will be visiting again in October and is hoping to hand out another batch of drawings.

To nominate a business or have one done yourself contact him via his Facebook page at Project Great Yarmouth #PGY.