A 14ft image of John Lennon is the first of a series of murals to be completed to celebrate Liverpool being named this year's Capital of Culture.

The mural, along with publicity posters for the group's concerts, have been daubed on to the gable end of a house in Litherland as part of the Liverpool Mural Project. Images of the other Beatles have also been painted onto a nearby wall.

The project was launched to bring the skills and experience of mural artists from all communities of Belfast working together and with community groups in Liverpool.

The idea was backed by the Riverside Group, a housing regeneration organisation which is itself celebrating its 80th birthday this year.

The group commissioned the artwork by Belfast Loyalist Mark Ervine and Republican Danny Devenny who worked with Liverpool artists on the Riverside-owned house at the end of Croxteth Avenue.

The project, which has been in the planning for two years, is the brainchild of Liverpudlians Gregory Brennan and Peter Morrison of the Liverpool Mural Project.

Film director Ken Loach and writer Jimmy McGovern have also backed the project.

Peter Morrison, of the Liverpool Mural Project, said: "This is the first real collaboration between the leading mural artists from both communities of Belfast and Liverpool artists. Our plan was always to produce amazing and inspiring public art that can be enjoyed by everyone - not just in the city centre."

Hugh Owen, director of policy and communication at The Riverside Group, said: "The ethos behind the project is to encourage communities to work together - which is directly in line with The Riverside Group's mission to regenerate our communities on Merseyside and beyond.

"It's amazing the way that Mark and Danny are working together in a way that demonstrates that once divided communities can move on and embrace the future.

"The gable is located at a key gateway to the city, and this iconic image will be visible to thousands coming from Liverpool to the North."

The second mural is now in the planning stages, backed by the Liverpool Culture Company.