Thetford Book shop given whale window painting from illustrator

A Thetford bookshop owner has let an illustrator have a whale of time on the store's window to celebrate a new book about plastic waste in our oceans.

Jane James let Padmacandra Meek, who has illustrated The Tale of the Whale, paint the window of her shop, Not Just Books in Riverside Walk.

She said: "The publishing house for the book contacted me, asking if we would like Padmacandra to come down and do this and we jumped at the chance.

"The book is a call to action about plastic waste and the dangers it has on the environment. With us having groups, such as the Thetford River Group, and the river going through the heart of the town centre I think this book will resonate with people here."

Though the book shop is still only doing a 'call and collect' service and not open until April 12, easing of lockdown permitting, Jane hopes people will still enjoy the artwork.

She said: "I thought it would be nice to do something a bit different and with restrictions lifting shortly, I am mindful there will be more people walking around the town and wanted to give them something nice to look at.

"It is just a joy to have here and I hope the image and the book help to be thought provoking for people. After all, where else would you get to see a whale in Thetford?"

Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk

Read more: All the latest news from Thetford