FOR hundreds of years, the skyline of Durham has been dominated by its famed castle and cathedral.

But future visitors may be greeted with a new first sight of the city -a huge steel bowl on the horizon.

The 50ft diameter Sky Bowl, dubbed the Wok of the North, to be sited on a steep hillock between County Hall and the city centre, would be visible from the East Coast Main Line and would greet visitors making their way into the city from the A1(M).

Councillors were told yesterday the sculpture would be "a piece of world-class public art that would create a haunting image floating over the Durham horizon".

They were also told it would become a must-see visitor attraction for the region.

Visitors will be able to walk into the bowl, where the sky and clouds would be reflected in the polished interior.

Internationally renowned Swedish sculptor Pal Svensson has been commissioned to come up with the design for Durham County Council.

In the past two years, the council has staged open-air exhibitions on Aykley Heads, which surrounds County Hall, as a prelude to a permanent piece of public art.

Now, the authority's Public Art Panel, made up of leading councillors, officers and representatives from the Arts Council, are considering the Sky Bowl as the likely contender for the installation.

Council leader Ken Manton said that, although no decision to go ahead with the project had been made, the authority would look at the scheme in greater detail, including the technical requirements for its installation and the financing of the project.

He said: "It is a world-class piece of art that would put County Durham firmly on the international map.

"The intention is not to compete with the likes of the Angel of the North, but to complement it, and add to the growing gallery of public art that is the North-East.

"Just like the Angel, I am sure it would become an icon and attract visitors, income and prestige to the county.

"It will become a 'must-see' attraction that would pay for itself many times over."

Mr Svensson said he was extremely happy that the council had decided to investigate his proposal further.

He said: "The form of the bowl is timeless and will emphasise the beauty of the landscape of County Dur-ham."

If the sculpture is given the go-ahead, it could take up to four years before it is installed.

However, Dr Douglas Pocock, honorary secretary of The City of Durham Trust, said last night: "We would be very concerned because the green skyline should be maintained."

He added: "Something of that size would not be welcome to the environment of the city."

"The first thing you should be aware of when approaching the city should be the cathedral."