SCULPTURES are being put up around County Hall in Durham as part of a two-year public art project.

The work of artists Stephen Cox, Nigel Hall and Charles Hadcock will be sited by Durham County Council's headquarters and the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery until the end of August.

The display is part of a scheme to provide a major work of art for the Aykley Heads area, in which County Hall and the museum are situated.

The council hopes to follow the example of places like Gateshead and Newcastle and create a popular attraction.

The project will include an inter-active exhibition at County Hall from June 9 to 27, at which visitors can find out more about the sculptures.

The art and landscape project is being staged in collaboration with Commissions North, the region's public art agency, and is supported by the Arts Council North-East.

Council leader Councillor Ken Manton said: "A series of consultation and evaluation events will be held throughout the project giving local people an opportunity to present their views on the art programme. "Their views will be taken into account in planning next year's programme."

Young people will take part in the programme and schools will work with six local artists to create pieces for an outdoor on June 29.

Guided tours of the sculptures will be given on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 24.