(+pic being taken this afternoon: Judge Tim Mars beside the roundabout graffiti that won Stroud Town Council's design award) A MYSTERY graffiti artist has won one of Stroud Town Council's annual civic awards for his witty transformation of a town centre roundabout.

Judge Tim Mars described the recent addition of spray-painted carousel horses and poles to the roundabout, outside Stroud Railway Station, as 'an imaginative and witty transformation'.

But he warned that the unknown spray painter, who signs his work Knight, could be arrested if he comes forward to collect the award.

"I have always hated that concrete roundabout, which is basically just a sewage pipe turned on its head and disguised by flower beds," he said.

"Suddenly this horrible object is converted into something delightful. It's so simple and effective.

"It's very different from normal graffiti, where people just write their names, which is quite territorial.

"I don't know who Knight is but I should warn him that if he comes and receives the award he could be arrested for criminal damage."

Knight scooped the town council design award at the ceremony on Thursday, May 25 at the council's offices in London Road, Stroud.

Other winners included Anne Mackintosh, who received the Stroud Civic Award for her work for the Stroud Preservation Trust, which restores historic buildings in the town.

The community award was presented to Mike Hull for starting the Stroud Credit Union, which he has now helped to run for eight years.

Julie Prockter received the trader of the year award for her shop Sahara, which was described as an honest and friendly business.

Young person of the year was Grant Harman, a volunteer at Stroud's youth project The Door. Mr Harman also works with St John Ambulance and a Beaver group, edits Stroud Autistic Society's newsletter and is part of a wheelchair display team.

SUBS - PLEASE PANEL AND TINT: Civic award: Winner: Anne Mackintosh Other nominees: Michael Maltin, Terry Morgan and Lizzi Walton Community award: Winner: Mike Hull Other nominees: Marion Marsh, Ron Newton Design award: Winner: Knight Trader of the year award: Winner: Julie Prockter of Sahara Other nominees: Sue, Theresa and Vicky from Stroud's Post Office, Louisa Pearce from Boots Pharmacist Young person of the year award: Winner: Grant Harman