SCULPTORS across the North could be invited to submit their ideas for a work of art to mark the millennium.

Artist Mackenzie Thorpe had hoped to design a statue of a shepherd and his sheep - based on a popular painting which adorned Christmas cards sent by Tory leader William Hague and his wife last month.

The statue was to be erected in Richmond, in Mr Hague's North Yorkshire constituency.

But a difference of opinion over obtaining funding led to the project's collapse, and it was feared that would be the end of the matter.

Now William Giles - who chaired the town council committee which was set up to raise money to cover the cost - has confirmed there is still a glimmer of hope.

One option would be to invite other artists to submit ideas, with the best selected as the basis for an application for grants from the National Lottery, the Arts Council or from Brussels.

He said: "We still have the site in Friary Gardens and it would be nice if people could get together again to pursue the idea of a work of art for the town.

"One way this could be achieved would be to have a competition, with the winner producing the sculpture."

Mr Giles said that the bills from the previous project had been settled, and he thanked everyone who had taken part in the work so far.