A TEIGNMOUTH carnival float has been given a new lease of life thanks to a one-time prolific graffiti artist. Josh Dent, 18, who was given an Asbo earlier this year for his round the town artwork, was contacted by the Mutineers Carnival Club chairman after a chance meeting with a police support officer. Steve Jenkinson, former chairman of the Teignmouth Carnival committee, spotted the officer taking pictures of graffiti for evidence and said: 'If you ever catch the bloke, pass him on to me.' 'I thought rather than waste his time and materials, he could come and paint the float for us. 'I didn't realise the amount of artistic talent that is needed to create something like this. There are lots like him who have talent and nowhere to use it. 'But if he can use it here, he'd not be getting into trouble and he is helping us. There is no way we could have made it look like this without him, said Mr Jenkinson. Josh is putting the hours in on the float that is new for this year. The theme is cartoon heroes and it will grace the winter carnival and others on the circuit, starting in September. Since taking up the work, Josh has attracted attention from a Teignmouth nightclub and other businesses interested in his handi-work. It is a turnaround for the teenager, who has been caught by the police on a number of occasions. 'I had to go to court in January and I was looking to do the work legally, so I was really pleased when I was given Steve's number. 'When it is legal work, you can spend much more time on it. You get paid and materials supplied and I am really pleased because hundreds of people are going to see it,' he said. l from page one Josh gave up a fine art course because his interest lay in graphics and modern art. He hopes that his talents can provide him with paid work. Though Josh has turned it around, there are others who will continue to graffiti unless they have an alternative. 'I think that if and when there is a skatepark, there should be space for graffiti. I am sure that it will stop people doing it elsewhere because in most cases. It's not about causing damage, it is just that the people who do it see walls as a blank canvas,' said Josh. To volunteer help with the float, contact Mr Jenkinson on 01626 772582.
