VILLAGERS are starting to get a glimpse of their new village gateway sculpture as it takes shape ahead of next month’s official opening.

Following many months of planning, including consultation with the local primary schools and the community at large, the finished work is being put into place, in the centre of Ushaw Moor, near Durham.

The sculpture was commissioned by Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council to reflect the former colliery village’s mining history.

Youngsters at the village’s two primary schools, St Joseph’s and Silver Trees, made their suggestions, with the agreed final draught design being made a reality by County Durham artist and sculptor, Graeme Hopper.

It takes the form of a pit-wheel, come archway, but includes metallic poppies, to reflect those villagers who lost their lives in action during the conflicts of the 20th Century.

The sculpture is also accompanied by a permanent fixture on which the village’s Christmas tree can be mounted each year.

Parish clerk Susan Carmedy said the installation work is now underway on a prominent spot in Whitehouse Lane, with the archway/pit-wheel to be the final piece mounted.

Councillor Susan Nelson, who chairs the parish council, will perform the opening at a ceremony to be attended by pupils from both schools, on Monday November 14.

Representatives from house builders Taylor Wimpey and Gleeson Homes, who have both developed in Ushaw Moor recently, will be present, as will local county council members, who all contributed towards the £18,000 cost of the sculpture.

Mid-Durham Area Action Partnership also assisted the parish in the scheme.

Villagers are welcome to attend the opening ceremony, scheduled to take place at 11am.

It will be followed by the lighting of the village Christmas tree, at the same spot, on Friday, December 2, with the time yet to be confirmed.