A LANDMARK sculpture for an East Lancashire borough is a step closer after an artist was selected from 15 talented hopefuls.

Property developer Hurstwood, which is funding the £50,000 project, has teamed up with regional arts charity Mid Pennine Arts to create a piece of public art on the newly-built roundabout on the Edenfield by-pass, Rossendale.

And a panel have selected artist Michael Johnson, after a nationwide search.

Michael, of South Yorkshire, has 20 years experience of creating public art, including at the Denbighshire's new county hall in Wales, and the Jewellery Business Centre, Birmingham.

Jan Shutt, Civic Pride founder, owner of Bank Street boutique Sunday Best, and a member of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, said: "Michael was very professional in both his presentation and delivery.

"He has done many large pieces of public art in the past and I absolutely adored what I saw of his work.

"It would have been nice to have commissioned a local artist but, due to the size and scale of the project, we went with Michael as he had the most experience."

The panel is made up of representatives from Hurstwood, Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, action group Civic Pride, Mid Pennine Arts, Lancashire County Council Highways, and Rossendale Council