HUGE steel elephants will be the focus of an art and landscape project in County Durham.

Sculpture in the Park is to return to the grounds of Durham County Council, at Aykley Heads, Durham City from May 1.

The elephants are part of six sculptures on the theme of Human, Animal and Allegory, to be installed in the park.

The work of internationally-renowned British artists Jim Unsworth, Michael Sandle, Sean Henry, Sophie Ryder and Nicola Hicks, will remain in place until October.

County council leader Ken Manton said: "Last year's Sculpture in the Park laid the foundations for a major international public art project for Aykley Heads that is of regional and national significance but is very much owned by local people.

"Extensive consultation was carried out last year and the majority of people thought the sculptures made the park look better, new and different, and that a project such as this was needed in the county.

"Children visiting the park as part of the education programme were extremely enthusiastic.

"This year's sculptures will make a walk in the park full of surprises and fun for visitors and local people."

There will be a free family sculpture workshop on Sunday, July 18, as well as an education programme which is expected to involve 250 children, a discussion evening and two meet the artist sessions.