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

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.

It received a major 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, in Gateshead; Monkton, in South Tyneside; and Herrington, Hetton Lyons and Rainton Meadows, near Sunderland, are linked by their shared past in mining and the processing of coal, and now offer local people and visitors new opportunities to visit them and enjoy the wider Great North Forest countryside.

The sculptures were designed by Northumberland-based artist William Pym.

He 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, and individual central elements in each sculpture link them with their surroundings.

At Rainton Meadows, where the project was launched yesterday, 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

John Vaughan, director of the Great North Forest, said: "I thank all those involved for their imagination and commitment to what is undoubtedly a landmark project in the evolution of the Great North Forest."