VISITORS to Towneley Hall are set to be greeted by a sculpture with a difference.

An eye-catching Middle Eastern-style structure will arrive at the 13th century house next month.

The unusual sculpture is made out of inflatable domes and spectacular shapes which will be placed in the woods around the historical hall.

The Middle Eastern-inspired structure, named Arcazaar, measures 128 feet long and 104 feet wide and will take its place in Towneley Park between September 16 and 19.

Hundreds of visitors are expected to descend on Towneley to explore Arcazaar and travel to its central dome, which stands 26 feet high and which will contain a mini orchestra to entertain the crowds.

Families will also be able to lose themselves in an indoor maze and enjoy the tricks of jugglers and street performers, who will be staged outside the structure. A spokesman for Mid Pennine Arts, which is one of a number of groups helping to organise the event through its "Land" summer programme, said: "This is the first time there's been anything like this in the North West.

"The size and scale of Arcazaar is spectacular. There will be something to entertain all ages."

Arcazaar was designed by Nottinghamshire-based company Architects Of Air which specialises in luminarium - giant, inflatable sculptures made from PVC vinyl.

Arcazaar also appeared at the Edinburgh Festival two years ago. Tickets for Arcazaar will be available on the door each day, costing £2.50 for adults, £2 concessions and £8 for a family ticket. Under-fives go free.