PLANS to create a 30ft high chalk carving on the outskirts of Darlington have been welcomed by the borough council.

The land carving is one of a number of pieces of art being commissioned by developers Bussey and Armstrong for the new West Park development, near Faverdale, which will includes 700 homes, a new mental health unit and a rugby club ground.

The idea to include pieces of community art in the development came from Tony Cooper, director of Bussey and Armstrong Projects.

An arts strategy and poetry plan has been developed for the site, to reflect its wildlife and history.

The largest piece of art will probably be in the new park area being created for the estate.

Mr Cooper said: "There are a lot of technical points about where the 30ft high chalk carving can be put and where it can be seen from, but it will definitely put Darlington on the map.

"The carving will be visible from the A68 as it comes off the A1M. One idea is to carve a large D with a heart inside it to represent that Darlington town wears its heart on its sleeve.

"However, as with a lot of the artwork, we want to involve the community and the schools to see what designs they come up with."