COMMUNITY leaders have chosen an artist to create a focal point to the heart of a town at the centre of regeneration plans.

Chester-le-Street District Council chiefs overseeing a £12m facelift, including a new Tesco store under the town centre's railway viaduct, have asked Jo Fairfax to prepare ideas for the project.

Development director Barry Brashaw said the Tesco development was expected to start in the near future.

Councillors felt that, of four artists who were considered, Mr Fairfax better reflected the issues identified in the original brief.

Mr Bradshaw said: "His strengths were demonstrated by the use of lighting techniques, the inclusion of the written word, ability to reflect the historical themes in a contemporary manner and his creative approach to design."

The feature, which will be sited at the town's market, could include elements of the town's Anglo Saxon roots and other important periods of history.

Among the suggestions is the inclusion of mining themes, with the names of surrounding villages incorporated, and the possible illumination of the Methodist Church