AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned artist is taking inspiration from a Darlington landmark to build a fire-storey high cardboard structure to launch the Festival of Thrift.

French artist Olivier Grossetête and 120 helpers will build ‘The People’s Tower’, inspired by Darlington’s Clock Tower, to kick off the festival and celebrate the 190th anniversary of the world’s first passenger steam railway.

The tower’s bricks will be made entirely from cardboard boxes and will be built within St Cuthbert’s Church from Monday 21 to Thursday September 24.

It will then be erected in Darlington’s Market Square from 10am on Friday September 25, with the completed tower due to be unveiled at 5pm – the evening before the Festival of Thrift starts on Saturday.

The artwork links in with the Festival of Thrift’s recycling themes and the celebrations for Darlington and the region marking the 190th anniversary of the world’s first passenger steam train, which travelled between Stockton and Darlington in 1825.

Festival director, Stella Hall, said: “As part of the 2015 Festival we’re excited to be linking in with the 1825 celebrations which coincides with the Festival of Thrift 2015 weekend.

“It is an honour to have such an internationally renowned artist as Olivier Grossetête launching our celebrations.

“He has been all around the world and even rebuilt the Pont d’Avignon in cardboard and now he will work with building students from Darlington College and other willing helpers to celebrate our landmark.”

The Festival of Thrift, which won an award at the Observer Ethical Awards 2015, takes place at Lingfield Point, Darlington over the weekend of September 26.

To get involved in building the structure, register for the Olivier Grossetête - The People’s Tower workshop at www.festivalofthrift.co.uk.