NEWPORT council is looking for an artist to complete the unfinished civic centre murals of a painter.

Artist Roger Smith started work in April 2003 on two colourful murals depicting life in modern Newport.

But he became ill with cancer and died earlier this year, leaving the two paintings in the civic centre entrance hall unfinished.

This week the council's cabinet agreed to try to find another artist to put the finishing touches to the paintings.

Councillor John Guy, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "Roger had a great reputation as an artist and it's a terrible tragedy.

"What we are trying to do is get another artist to finish it off. I hope we can find one. His widow would be very proud to see it finished as this was his last piece of work."

The vibrant murals depict the Transporter Bridge, Commercial Street, the Wave, and other city landmarks. They were commissioned as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations to bring the civic centre's famous murals up to date.

Outside the council chamber are a series of huge murals painted by Hans Feibusch in the 1960s, depicting Newport's history from the earliest settlers to the construction of the George Street Bridge.

Councillor Guy said the council wanted the new works to reflect Newport in the 21st century.

He added: "Feibusch's work is very Germanic, but Roger Smith had a very different style. Roger's designs were picked from a number of proposals. "I'm sure we can find someone to complete the work. There are many artists and we have a fantastic arts school at Caerleon."

Councillor Ron Jones, cabinet member for transport and sustainable development, said: "We've got all the artist's impressions and most of the work is done.

"As a last resort if we don't find an artist to complete the work, we will have to consider painting the work out."