EARLY morning workers and shoppers mingled to watch the installation of a new landmark yesterday - but some were left distinctly unimpressed.

The 18ft steel sculpture, Seven Red Plaice, was lowered into position at the entrance of a new shopping centre in Redcar High Street.

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

Sculptor David Kemp, who travelled from Cornwall 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 people had an opinion on it before they'd even seen it. Others 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 said: "It does nothing to enhance the area and isn't even a sculpture really, because it's made out of steel. Really it's 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 it is an eyesore, but they could surely have got it done for cheaper," she said.

The sculpture was paid for and chosen by developers of new £26m Regent Walk shopping centre, Teesland.

Mr Kemp also created public works of art at Leadgate, near Consett, and Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, both County Durham.