COUNCIL landscape architect Kevin Johnson has designed a stained glass window illustrating the working life of local government.

The Sunderland City Council employee came up with the design while studying for an MA in architectural glass at Sunderland University and has already produced a sample 4ft by 2ft piece.

Mr Johnson, 43, of Whitburn, said: "Work plays such a large part in people's lives but little is ever done to celebrate or mark the fact.

"The labours of the seasons has been a traditional subject for stained glass windows throughout the ages so I thought why not produce a contemporary interpretation.

"I spoke to colleagues across the council and came up with a design that hopefully everyone can relate to and which describes the 12-month life cycle of our work.''

Acting city arts officer Piers Masterson said: "It's wonderful that Kevin has produced this design and the sample section he has created illustrates just how glass making talent flourishes in the city.

"It's also heartening to know he has found inspiration in his work and based his creation on a celebration of what this and other councils do seven days a week, 365 days a year.''

Mr Johnson is a member of Cohesion, a network of glassmakers sponsored by the council. The panel will be displayed at the group's exhibition, Diversity, to be held at the National Glass Centre between June 8 and August 30.