A WATER company boss has become the final part of a contemporary art exhibition.

John Cuthbert, the managing director of Northumbrian Water, was the last of the 250 volunteers to be covered in plaster for Angel of the North-artist Antony Gormley's latest project.

Plaster moulds of people will be used to construct stainless steel sculptures for The Domain Field, at the Baltic arts centre in Gateshead.

Northumbrian Water is sponsoring the exhibition. When the artist offered one of the company's staff the final place in the artwork, Mr Cuthbert jumped at the chance.

He said: "It was one of the strangest experiences of my life, particularly standing motionless, waiting for the cast of my head and arms to set without being able to see anything or hear very much at all.

"It was, however, an experience that I enjoyed immensely. It is also a privilege for Northumbrian Water to be involved with this major cultural event, which will once again turn the international spotlight on our region."

The Domain Field opens at the Baltic on Saturday and runs until August 25. Among the sculptures is one of Northern Echo reporter Gavin Engelbrecht, who bared all to be included in the piece.