A PROJECT to install large steel artworks at five major recreation sites has been launched by the Great North Forest.

The Greenheart project aims to celebrate the sites' transformation from previously derelict land into new green gateways to the countryside around Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside.

The project received a grant of £91,716 from the Arts Lottery, with additional funding from the Great North Forest, the Countryside Agency and partner local authorities.

The five sites - at Watergate, Gateshead; Monkton, South Tyneside; and Herrington, Hetton Lyons and Rainton Meadows, near Sunderland, are linked by their shared past in mining and the processing of coal.

The sculptures were designed by artist William Pym, who said: "I noticed the transformation of old mineral lines into bicycle and footpaths.

"Once the black arteries of the coalfields, they are now becoming the green arteries taking people out of the city into new parks and green spaces.

"They are the new green hearts of the city."

Mr Pym has designed similar sculptures for each site in the form of walk-through structures on, or close to, paths.

They are made from weathering steel and linked by two steel rails. Individual central elements in each sculpture link them with their surroundings.

At Rainton Meadows, where the project was launched, the sculpture takes the form of a steel egg, reflecting it as a sanctuary for breeding birds and other wildlife.

The project includes a community education programme, linking schools and other groups with the design and fabrication process, with an associated website at www.greenheart.org.uk