AN unusual art project which will result in a mini-city being built from thousands of books has almost been completed.

Artist Ronald Max Vollner is more than half way through creating an extravagant series of sculptures at the old courthouse in Thirsk, home of Rural Arts North Yorkshire.

More than 12,000 books were donated for the project and building structures are being crafted around the architectural design of the courthouse.

Mr Max Vollner said the project was likely to be finished this week and visitors are being encouraged to see the work in progress.

"It has three sections to it and is almost like a city, with buildings and other features," he said. "It is quite interesting for visitors to actually see the work going on."

The finished design will be on display until mid-December, when the books will be taken down and sold off