A SIGN welcoming visitors to part of the region will be so large that it will be visible from aeroplanes.

Durham County Council has submitted a planning application to place the sign next to a cycle bridge across the A689 at Wynyard Station, near Sedgefield.

The £495,000 County Durham Gateway Bridge already incorporates artwork in the shape of a bird's wings radiating from either side.

The new piece of art will consist of five-metre high yellow-coated aluminium or steel lettering against a background of blue recycled glass chippings. The sign will be lit up at night.

A report on the plan says: "The artwork will be visible from aircraft arriving at Teesside Airport, welcoming visitors to the county and residents back home."

Durham County Council leader Ken Manton said the sign was part of a package of measures along the A689 gateway, which includes the bridge and a replanting exercise when the road is upgraded to dual carriageway.

Sedgefield Borough Council is to be consulted on the proposal. Planning officers will tomorrow recommend strong objections are raised to the sign because of its "excessive size and strident appearance".

No date has been set for the application to be considered by the county council's planning committee.