In the past they had to go out under the cover of darkness to ply their trade and dodging the police was as much a part of the thrill as leaving behind their art work, but now a select group graffiti artists has been invited to show their skills in full sight of press and public.

The invitation came from the high-speed train company Thalys - four artists were given carte blanche to 'decorate' four carriages from one of the famous TGV trains.

Amsterdam artist Zedz was one of the lucky ones allowed to take the train company up on its unique offer.

"It's a big challenge," he said. "But if you are given an offcial invite to spray a train then you'd be mad to to turn down the offer."

Other artists were from Germany, France and Belgium - they were given three hours and 15 minutes to spray their respective carriages.

The time limit derived from the time it now takes the Thalys to travel between Paris and Amsterdam and Paris and Cologne.
 

"These people are not vandals they are real artists who are famous in their genre and their graffiti art is quick and energetic. We feel that is a good symbol for our train connections," said Olivier Poitrenaud - head of Thalys international.