AN ARTIST has created a new map of Newport that will help visitors find their way around the Isle of Wight's County Town.

Alan Rowe, of Potting Shed Cartoons, said the detailed Newport map took around six months to complete.

He said the hard part was keeping an illustrated style, while ensuring it was usable for the general public to find their way around town.

The popular Carisbrooke artist has also produced work for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Godshill Model Village and has recently completed a book on cycle routes around the Island.

Alan said: "It was fun to draw the well known features such as the Victoria Monument and the Minster. Being a local, I’ve always wanted to draw a map of the town, so this was my chance.

"I feel proud and pleased to be part of this project and it’s nice to think of visitors exploring more of the town as a result."

Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council revealed the map yesterday (Wednesday).

The map will be available in full size A4 colour from Visit Isle of Wight’s Tourist Information Centre based at the Guildhall in Newport.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans has been working on producing the map to enable visitors to better navigate around town for the past three years, and a large enamel version will soon be installed in the High Street.

Cllr Jones-Evans said: "Creating a map that revealed the historic character of the area was really important and the finished design has far surpassed my expectations."

Chair of Newport and Carisbrooke Parish Council, Cllr Geoff Brodie, said: "Navigation is one of the themes from the Shaping Newport project and it's great to have this map completed and available for visitors.

"Working with Visit Isle of Wight to promote the county town is important to us."

The map will also be used in other products such as mugs and tea towels.