THE BLOOD, sweat and tears at the heart of the historic university boat race are depicted in a new mosaic celebrating Fulham's heritage.

Covering seven square metres, the semi-circular design has been built along the riverside walk near Putney Bridge station.

The mosaic was commissioned by Hammersmith and Fulham council as part of a drive to make that stretch of riverside safer, brighter and more appealing to residents.

As well as featuring the annual battle between the country's two most prestigious universities, artist Tamara Froud also chose to include landmarks, animals and the natural flora of the area.

The Fulham based artist, who has previously designed a mosaic at the nearby All Saints Primary School, met with residents in July 2010 to find out how they wanted their area to be portrayed.

She said: "I met with local people from Willowbank, Swanbank and Carrara Wharf to discuss what they wanted, and I also went to the Lilla Huset archive in Hammersmith to research Putney Bridge and the traditions of the area. The council liked the idea, and I put forward three different designs. It was special to create something in a part of London I knew. Artwork brings any area up, apart from reducing the drabness and greyness, it inspires people when they see something beautiful."

Tamara and a team of artists spent a month in the studio assembling the design - which shows the dark blue of Oxford slightly in the lead.

On Thursday, musicians and dancers performed as the mosaic was officially unveiled alongside 25 newly planted trees as well as paving and lighting improvements.

After suffering from vandalism and anti-social activity, the riverside walk was classed as a high priority by the council's highways department.

Annelise Johns, of the department, said: "Each year we pick a site to be a priority, and this stretch used to be a no man's land. By improving lighting and paving, and introducing the mosaic as a focal point, the aim is to improve the area for everyone."

The project cost £22,000, with the council receiving funding from Transport for London and Walk London.