A MURAL painted by a homeless man at a warehouse he has been allowed to sleep in is quickly gaining popularity with members of the community.

Artist Ian 'Trip' Trippier offered to paint the 30sqm block at the Freestyle Music Centre after owner Mark Patrick discovered he was living in woodland behind the Holton Heath industrial centre where the business is based and offered him shelter.

Using emulsions Mr Trippier painted 16 musical icons decided by Freestyle Facebook members after a competition was ran.

The 48-year-old, originally from a town near Burnley, became homeless after a breakdown in his relationship. He'd been sleeping rough in a tent with his dog and fellow rough-sleeper Kevin Marks for around six months before Mr Patrick discovered their arrangements.

He welcomed them both into the warehouse on Christmas Eve for a few days after getting to know them through the open mic nights and poetry readings they would attend.

"Then New Year came and went," Mr Patrick said. "They're doing no harm but it can't go on. This is a warehouse with a venue in it - it's an interim position. They don't have anything, just tents in the woods. It's getting really nasty and cold and our 24 hour licence means they have been able to stay here."

Mr Patrick said he hopes that someone might be able to step forward to help Mr Trippier and Mr Marks into more permanent housing. Failing that he hopes someone will commission Trip to do a mural. Trip has also painted a smaller one of Jazz icons at the centre's bar.

He said the larger impressive painting has proved very popular with his customers and members of the music community.

"It's a real pastiche - pop-art style," Mr Patrick said. "Everyone from Mozart to Bowie and in between is there.

"I think he's a great artist. We need to raise some awareness of his talent. This has been really good for him because it's given him focus and a creative outlet. It's given him a new lease of life.

"He feels a valued part of the community here. It's been lovely to work with him.

"But they're really struggling to get housing. They have been helping me out here and they're really good to have about. It's just a shame they're not able to get into somewhere."

Mr Trippier said there were some "pretty long days" involved to complete the mural of 16 characters.

"It's been great," he said. "I've never worked on something so big so it's been something to keep my head interested over Christmas. The response from people while it's been created has been really nice."