A huge mural of NHS architect, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, has been unveiled on a Valleys mountainside to celebrate the health service’s 70th birthday.

Artist Nathan Wyburn, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist, created the 12m sq. profile on Trefil moorland from soil and white stone dust from a local quarry, placing it on a hillside three miles north of Bevan’s home town, Tredegar.

Following a celebration of Bevan’s life at a namesake festival held in Tredegar recently, the artwork rests upon moorland which the NHS founder often walked, off Trefil Road.

Bevan’s within the Tredegar Workingmen’s Medical Aid Society helped to inspire his vision for the National Health Service.

"Not only is it a fantastic tribute to one of the nation’s most loved institutions and its extraordinary staff who support and care for us day in, day out,” said Mr Wyburn, “But it’s also a celebration of where I’m from — Bevan’s home and the place where the NHS all began.”

"I can’t think of a more fitting location for the piece," he said.

"The Valleys has so much to offer, from its rich heritage to the beautiful, green landscapes.

"The people are all so friendly and it’s such a refreshing change from the city."

Mr Wyburn’s artwork forms part of the Love The Valleys campaign, which celebrates the area’s heritage and culture.

Alyson Tippings, of Blaenau Gwent council, described the portrait as ‘magnificent’.

"We’re immensely proud of Nye and all that he accomplished,” she said. ”The NHS remains a cherished institution for the country just as Tredegar’s Nye, our Nye, will forever be Wales’s greatest hero.

"This celebrates 70 years of the most wonderful gift to our nation, which stemmed from our home and continues to help those who need it most.”