A £153,000 public art project that has involved work by scores of people over several years has been unveiled.

The Sowerby Art Project outdoor work is on permanent display alongside a Mulberry Homes development at Sowerby Gateway, near Thirsk.

It includes a 6.5ft high acorn sculpture, created by sculptor Hilary Cartmel, and four carved stones which reflect local heritage and the sustainability theme of the scheme.

Fourteen steel and bronze marker posts, which Thirsk School pupils helped design, are also being installed throughout the development with three more on the extra care scheme across the road. These are aimed at signposting the pedestrian routes through the estate.

The project was led by Chrysalis Arts which put together a team of artists to create the artworks, while local residents were also involved.

Andrew Garrens, of Mulberry Homes, said: “This marks years of hard work which started when we received funding of just over £58,000 from the Arts Council, and invested a further £95,000, to make this project a reality.”