Patriotic couple Angus and Tricia Mitchell have had Olympic rings painted on the side of their house in an aim to get behind the London 2012 games.
And the pair, from Burnby, near Pocklington, on the outskirts of York, are planning to add a crown to the artwork to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee later in the year.
Mrs Mitchell said: “We’ve always wanted to do something like this, and now that the Olympics are coming we thought ‘let’s do it’. Not many houses have the Olympic rings painted on them so it’s quite a talking point in the village.
“The comments from neighbours have been fantastic. We’ve had emails, letters and even thumbs up from people driving past. It’s quite uplifting to see.”
The huge Olympic rings were painted on the side of the house by painter and decorator Joss Room. Graphic designer Jon Penny drew up a template from cardboard boxes for the artwork.
Mr Room said: “It’s been the most enjoyable thing I’ve done. Jon would be on the opposite side of the road shouting ‘Up, left, down!’ while I painted the house – it was such good fun.”
The Olympic Torch relay will be travelling through York on June 19 and 20. Crowds are expected to line the route, and there will be entertainment by local groups, bands and individuals.
The City of York Council is encouraging members of the public to come forward with their ideas for the celebrations.
Councillor Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. With York, one of the world’s most beautiful cities in the world as a backdrop, this is a chance for residents to put on an amazing show to captivate the watching world and display their own Olympic spirit and talents as we welcome the torch.”