AN EYE-catching sundial has been unveiled at Bishop Middleham to celebrate the millennium.

Standing opposite the Fleece pub, the sundial is one of four ambitious millennium projects organised by Bishop Middleham Parish Council.

Located in the High Street, the sundial's clock face is a ring of fitted flagstones with carved Roman numerals representing each hour. The ring's circumference is lined with flowers and lawn, while a round section of gravel lies at its centre.

It was designed by Mr Mark Elliott, of Sedgefield Borough Council, and cost £9,600. A grant of £6,000 came from Lafarge Redland, under the landfill tax scheme and the parish council contributed the remaining sum.

Coun Mike Smith, chairman of the parish council, unveiled the dial this week, with other officials, including parish clerk Mr Ken Pritchard.

A millennium book of photographs, showing different aspects of village life throughout last year, is to be given to every household, Mr Smith added.

"The idea is to give everyone in the village a record of that year. It has all been done by local people."

Extra copies are available to buy, priced £5 for a paperback or £10 for a hardback.

The parish council's other two projects are a geophysical survey of the castle site, the results of which will go on display near the village church, and a £120,000 playing field project