ART student Toby Tomlinson got so sick of looking at a graffiti-riddled bus stop across from his home, he spent $400 of his own money beautifying it.

The 16 year old successfully applied to Fremantle council to paint an ocean mural on the Oldham Crescent bus stop and raised $500 for materials.

“I like swimming down at South Beach and doing a bit of snorkelling at Rotto, so I went for an ocean theme,” says the year 12 Christian Brothers’ College student.

• Toby Tomlinson takes a break from painting. Photo by Stephen Pollock

“I’ve only painted on a smallish canvas with acrylics before, so this was quite a step-up, but it’s going really well and mum and dad are pitching in.

The Tomlinsons have stayed in Oldham Crescent for 10 years, and mum Lynn says the beautification has gone down well with locals.

“Everyone stops to say how nice it looks and offer their support,” she says.

They expect to complete the mural by the time the Herald hits letterboxes this weekend.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK