AN aspiring sculptor has taken on a new challenge for his latest work of art.

Ray Lonsdale was commissioned by a garden centre to make a copy of the Angel of the North, but came up with his own design.

And he hopes the finished product will help put him on the path to getting larger public commissions.

Mr Lonsdale's dramatic figure, made out of metal sheeting and called the Durham Angel, will be 12ft high and have a wingspan of 20ft.

Mr Lonsdale, 38, who owns Anvil Engineering, in South Hetton, County Durham, was asked by the owner of Horns Garden Centre, in Shotton Colliery, to create the work.

Mr Lonsdale said: "I thought I would come up with something completely different, as far away as I could get from the Angel of the North.

"It is a three-dimensional work built up with a mosaic of metal sheeting forming the outer skin of it.

"One of the feet is raised on what will look like a log.

"The piece will be placed next to a big fishing pond.

"I wanted a serene posture, something that would exude calmness."

Mr Lonsdale, who spends three hours a day on art pieces before he starts work, began with small figures and is increasing the sizes of his works.

He said: "Rather than just trying to make a figure, I always try and put some feeling and emotion into the work.

"I like creating works that will interest both those who have an appreciation of art and those who do not."

Published: 12/01/2004