CALLINGTON Bus Station is to get a new look after a frequent traveller offered a goodwill gesture this festive season to brighten up the town centre.

Pensioner Jeanette Hipsey visits Callington by bus twice a month en route to see her best friend Pam in Pensilva and was upset by seeing the tired and tattered New Road bus shelter.

The neglected shelter had become a haven for litter and the mural painted on it had seen better days.

Jeanette, from St Budeaux, told the Times she would like somewhere light and bright to wait for her bus, but also felt that other people would like that too.

Her gesture of a financial contribution has been greatly welcomed by Callington Town Council.

'I am doing it because I can,' she said.

'I take great pride in where I live and would like others to too.

'I have noticed the bus shelter looking shabby and thought it needed cheering up — a makeover if you like.

'I was in the town on Saturday when all the Christmas festivities were going on and the town looked so lovely, apart from the bus shelter.

'I think today people are too insular and do not look at what's around them.

'I am always looking out of the window when I am on the bus and enjoying the country and towns.

'I think we should care about our environment and become more community minded— we have lost some of that in recent years.'

Town clerk Helen Dowdall said: 'I was overjoyed by this lovely lady's thoughtful and considerate donation which will lighten up a little corner of Callington for everyone to enjoy.

'It's a kind-natured gesture which will mean a considerable amount.

'We have already put a light in the shelter and white washed the walls in preparation for some artwork which is yet to be decided with Jeanette.

'The shelter attracts a considerable amount of rubbish but we hope by sprucing it up people will look after it.

'It just needs some TLC and it is down to Jeanette that this is happening.'

There has been a mural recently painted opposite the bus shelter on the wall of the public conveniences to mark the centenary of World War One and a new mural on the bus shelter would tie in nicely, said Helen.

Callington has a mural trail with more than 30 works of art painted on walls and buildings throughout the town.

'We are working with an artist who will be coming up with something that recognises Jeanette's contribution and complements the town,' said Helen.