FOUR metal birds have taken to the region's skies.

Sculptor Steve Blaylock has designed and created the magnificent creatures that stand high in the air on redundant telegraph poles.

The stainless steel hawk, duck, woodpecker and barn owl spread their wings over the Millennium Green at Nether Poppleton, near York.

The birds have taken several months to make and have wing spans of nearly eight feet.

Mr Blaylock said: "Sculpting birds and bugs is a personal favourite, and the Millennium Green Trust approached me after seeing my work. "

"I decided four birds would look best in the village, but I'm now considering doing another one to sit with the woodpecker. He is smaller than the other birds and looks a little daft alone on his pole!"

Mr Blaylock 's work was paid for by a grant given to the village for its millennium celebrations.

Trust secretary Ralph Major said: "The idea is to provide a haven of peace and wildlife, which will be there for ever. These sculptures have taken a while to create but we are all really pleased with them."