COULD this be County Durham's answer to the now world-famous Angel of the North?

The Tower of Durham - a working title, admittedly - could soon be peering down on motorists using the A689 Sedgefield to Wynyard road, where it would be visible day and night for miles around.

Described as a steel and coloured glass waymarker, the giant illuminated artwork would measure almost 60ft and bear the name of the county along its length.

Durham County Council, whose cabinet has backed plans for the structure, said it would would form an unforgettable and unmissable feature on one of the county's key routes.

It has already drawn comparison with the Angel of the North, which is situated off the A1 at Gateshead and is seen by more than 33 million people each year.

Despite being variously described as a badly engineered totem pole and a rusting monstrosity, the Angel has become a much-loved symbol of Tyneside's cultural renaissance.

Durham County Council leader, Councillor Ken Manton, said: "A survey of visitors to an exhibition of public art in the grounds of county hall last year showed the majority of people felt County Durham should have more major sculptural attractions.

"The waymarker would give the county a major piece of public art and serve as an impressive gateway to the county."

The tower would cost £50,000, which would be met jointly by engineers Balfour Beatty and the county council.

It is intended to add a finishing touch to the recently completed £9m dual carriageway development on the A689.

The tower would be visible to motorists as well as passengers flying into the newly-named Durham and Tees Valley Airport, near Darlington.

When lit at night, it would give the impression of changing colour, but in a way to avoid glare and light pollution.

Fears that it could cause a dangerous distraction for drivers were dismissed by Coun Manton.

He said: "Gateshead Metropolitan Council traffic engineers say there is no evidence that the Angel of the North has caused any accidents, and we do not anticipate our tower causing any hazard, either by day or by night."

Artist Peter Fink has designed the tower, having earlier been commissioned to create artwork for a nearby cycle bridge over the A689.

His latest creation is said to depict gently undulating coloured tubes shaped like bird's wings.

Czech-born Mr Fink has been responsible for many well-known lighting projects, including Britain's tallest building, Canary Wharf, London, and the Concorde roundabout at Heathrow Airport.

Planning permission is still required but if granted, the tower could be in place by the spring. An exhibition outlining the proposal will be on display in Sedgefield library until January 30.

Durham County Council is inviting ideas for new names for the tower, which can be submitted by logging on to: www.durham.gov.uk/towerofdurham