A SCULPTOR is applying the finishing touches to an unusual piece of artwork in Teesdale.

Keith Alexander has spent the past two years carving three stone sheep on top of a dry stone wall at Low Force.

The impressive work has been made mainly on site, which has given farmers and walkers the chance to watch the artist at work.

The project, largely funded through the Arts Council's Year of the Artist initiative, has been delayed several times.

Because of the outdoor location, work had to stop during the foot-and-mouth crisis and wet weather has also held up progress on the stone blocks.

Now that the sculpture is almost complete, Mr Alexander is hoping ramblers and the farming community will appreciate the value of the work, which gives the impression of sheep walking along the wall.

He said: "I hope those who have passed by while the work has been in progress have enjoyed the experience.

"I also hope it expresses well the views of the two groups which use this landscape."

The final flourish to the artwork will be two carved phrases on either side of the wall, one from a walker and the other from a local farmer, which Mr Alexander will select from people he has spoken to.