THE team behind the £10m Shildon Railway Village has announced a £90,000 commission to create a landmark public work of art at the new attraction.

Backed by the European Regional Development Fund, and with a contribution from Arts Council England North-East, the major new commission could use sculpture, craft, light, film and video or writing.

The organisers say the piece will have an integral role in the new village, create a sense of purpose and reinforce Shildon's historic importance as the cradle of the railways.

The commission calls for work that is bold and innovative, of national significance, engaging for the public and, where possible, using sustainable or renewable materials.

Groups and individuals are being invited to make their bids. The deadline for the final proposals is Friday, July 4.

The final choice will be made through a design competition, with local people meeting the artists as they research and develop their proposals.

The commission is being managed by Newcastle arts consultancy ARTS UK Ltd.

Railway Village partners Sedgefield Borough Council and the National Railway Museum expect 50,000 people a year to visit the site, where vehicles from the national museum's collection will be housed in a 6,000 sq ft centre.

The new attraction, which will also incorporate the Timothy Hackworth Museum, is due to open next year.

Janice Murray, deputy head of the national museum, said: "This is a real opportunity for an individual or a team to create a landmark that will not only provide visual stimulus, but also give the new attraction a strong identity and become a focus for visitor activities."