MODELS of a welder and a puddler, symbolising a region's industrial heritage, have been unveiled.

The larger-than-lifesize figures have been installed on the verge by the South Tees Business Centre, at the junction of Normanby Road, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

The three-month project to create the figures was led by Stokesley artist Steve Tomlinson. The models are the final feature of the Gateway project, and symbolise the industrial heritage of Redcar and Cleveland.

Mr Tomlinson said: "Everyone is excited about seeing the figures in place. I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to acknowledge our heritage and delighted we've got such a perfect place to erect them."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, Councillor Sheelagh Clarke, said: "I think people will love this. It's based on our heritage, our shipbuilding and iron and steel traditions and I'm sure people will identify with that.

"It will also complement our other pieces of public art on the A66 - the sphere, ladle and buoys which already grace the route."

The Gateway, costing £182,000, has been funded by Single Programme money through regional development agency One NorthEast and the Tees Valley Partnership, with match funding from the council and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.