A GIANT piece of artwork, the largest of its kind in the world, has been unveiled in the North-East.

The landmark structure, Halo, has been installed at the Trinity Square development in Gateshead, on the site of the former Get Carter car park.

Designed by artist and sculptor Steve Newby, Halo is a gravity-defying loop stretching 27-foot in diameter, which will be illuminated at night by colour-changing fibre-optic lights.

The sculpture is nod to Gateshead’s steel heritage and is a symbol of its post-industrial renewal, to celebrate the town centre regeneration project.

Mr Newby said: “I am absolutely delighted to see my concept become a reality.

“It has been some years in planning, engineering and design."

Halo is made from inflated stainless steel and is made up of around 330 individual sections linked together to form billowing curves, tilted on a 66 degree angle.

The project was commissioned by Trinity Square developers Spenhill in 2008 and constructed by a team of highly skilled engineers at the Ryton-based Impress Group.

Mr Newby added: “It was really important to me that the construction took place here in Gateshead. It already feels like it is being born here and belongs here.

“This entire project is down to the work of skilled Gateshead craftsmen and it has set new standards in this particular field of engineering, which is a testament to the wonders we can do in this area.”

The new sculpture will sit alongside a multi-screen cinema, bars, restaurants and retail outlets at the £150m development.