Redcar woke up to a brand new landmark on Wednesday, but some townsfolk were less than impressed.

The 18ft steel sculpture, Seven Red Plaice, was lowered into position at the entrance of the new Regent Walk shopping centre on the High Street.

But, despite the fact the £16,000 work of art did not cost tax-payers any money, most passers-by said they did not like it.

Artist David Kemp, who travelled from Penzance to oversee its installation, said he hoped the public would come to appreciate the work in time.

He said: "It's red for Redcar, it celebrates the town's fishing heritage and it is made out of steel in acknowledgement of the district's steel heritage so I think it does something to represent the area.

"It is always disheartening when people say they don't like it but some had an opinion on it before they'd even seen it. Some said they liked it and others have said 'waste of money,' but it's always the same with any work of art. I hope people will come to like it in time."

Passer-by Lillian Hammond, of Redcar, said: "It does nothing to enhance the area and isn't even a sculpture really, because it's made out of steel. It's really a piece of engineering."

Stuart Paterson said: "The Seven Plaice? I'd call it a big cod. What good does this do anyone?"

However, Tracy Barstow was a little kinder. "I wouldn't say its an eyesore but they could surely have got it done for cheaper," she said.

The sculpture was chosen and paid for by Regent Walk developers Teesland. Mr Kemp also created public works of art at Leadgate, near Consett and Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street