A FIFTEEN foot steel flower is among the items due to brighten up a community.

It will be joined at Longlands Doorstep Green, Landsdowne Road, Middlesbrough, by two butterflies, a caterpillar and an interpretation of the River Tees.

The work has been carried out by Andrew Allan, of Stockton-based NE Art, and was commissioned by Middlesbrough Council and the Longlands Area Residents Association.

Mr Allan began the project last June, working with schools and community groups in a series of workshops aimed at encouraging ideas and helping people gain a better understanding of the arts.

"The aim was to give everyone the chance to put their artistic influences into the project," said Mr Allan. "The children in particular were keen to involve wildlife, such as flowers and butterflies, and with steel being a significant factor of the local area we decided to combine the two."

Matthew Smartt, Landscape Architect at Middlesbrough Council, said: "We are confident the local community will benefit from Mr Allan's work which should enhance the locality for many years to come."

Published: 02/04/2005