A HUGE bronze globe commemorating the epic voyages of Teesside's most famous son has been installed at the hospital which bears his name.

The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, has taken delivery of the globe and sextant, which now stands outside its new southern entrance.

Weighing more than a tonne-and-a-half, the bronze sculpture was designed by Newcastle artist Andrew Burton.

He was commissioned to carry out the work as part of the Healing Arts charity initiative, which uses art to promote a sense of well-being in patients, hospital visitors and staff.

The sphere was made in wax with the detail intricately carved out before it was cast in bronze at a foundry in Basingstoke and transported to Middlesbrough.

Made at a foundry in South Shields, the sextant was lowered into place on top of the globe by crane.

Mr Burton said the design was based on Cook's three journeys around the earth and his route is picked out by bird's feet.

He said: "I also used some of Cook's original maps and some more recent maps and weather charts.

"If you walk around the globe, you'll see one of Cook's maps on the surface along with the names of the South Sea islands he discovered and a quotation which was taken from one of his journals.

"Special chemicals were put onto the surface to make the bronze go blue and some of the design had to be etched back on but the globe will change slightly in colour over time, like stone or any natural product, as it is exposed to the elements."

Mr Burton said that a brass plate, inscribed with all the names of the places which the explorer visited, completed the sculpture and ran around the bottom of the globe.

"This is a bit different from the things I've done before. It's the first time I've done anything for a hospital.

"People will be passing by it all the time and I hope it gets them talking or even helps to take their mind of things. There's a lot on the surface to see and read," said Mr Burton.