A blue spiral staircase was unveiled in the centre of Newcastle yesterday.

A team of shipbuilders spent 11 months putting together artist Thomas Heatherwick's design.

The staircase will link the city centre with the Manors area and takes the form of a broad, curving spiral. It gives the illusion of being self-supporting and light, although it weighs more than 30 tons.

Newcastle City Council leader Tony Flynn was the first person to use the steps.

He said: "This staircase is a fascinating collaboration between engineering and art.

"The building techniques and skills used are those of Tyneside's shipbuilders, but it is also a work of great beauty and practical benefit."

The staircase was built by McNulty Boats, in Hebburn, South Tyneside.