WINTER'S icy tendrils may be encroaching on us, but visitors to Chester-le-Street can enjoy a taste of summer with a new mosaic in the town's sun temple.

The colourful design at the Riverside Park is the work of local artists Jane Hufton and Annette Poulson, together with Empower, a Chester-le-Street group which works with adults with learning difficulties.

In creating an unusual scene based on the theme of the sun, planets and fire, the artists have used hand-glazed tiles, which are resistant to frost and water damage.

Chester-le-Street District Council's arts officer Emma Boor said: "The mosaic takes us one step nearer the completion of the sun temple, which is a focal point for the Riverside Gardens.

"Next summer, we plan to finish the performance circle, and attract local talent to liven up the area."

Council chairman, Councillor Ian Wilson, joined the artists and others who helped create the mosaic, at its unveiling yesterday.