AN eye-catching 15ft stone and steel sculpture designed by a group of Rossendale pupils will be unveiled at a Valley business park next month.

The £20,000 sculpture will have its protective cover removed by a platform crane in front of the students who designed it, their classmates, parents and invited guests.

The artwork represents the finishing touch of the new £2.8m Kingfisher Centre at Futures Park, Bacup.

It will dominate the car park outside the entrance of the complex.

The five-strong design team, including 14-year-olds Jack McGregor, Amy Cook, Rachael O'Brien, Rebecca Livesey and Holly Buckley, from Bacup's Fearns Community High School, wanted a structure that would stand out against the surrounding Rossendale Valley.

Fearns head of art Allison Tarpy said: "It was a wonderful exercise for the students to be involved in, with 30 gifted and talented pupils from Years 9 and 10 taking part in the project.

"They visited the site before working in groups of five to produce six different designs.

"These designs were then presented to the building team including the architect, construction manager, landscape artist and managing director of Kingfisher.

"They selected the winning design and have decided to commission the work."

She added: "The pupils relished the opportunity to create something for their community. They felt valued as their opinions were respected and it was an excellent experience for them.

"They were also grateful for being given the opportunity to create artwork that complements the environment and one which will provide a focal point of discussion for years to come."

John Calway, managing director of Kingfisher Business Centres, said: "We were delighted when Fearns took up the challenge initially and everyone concerned was very impressed with the designs they put forward.

"I am sure the students learned a great deal from the experience and their efforts will be around for everyone to see for years to come."

The office complex was officially opened last month by opera singer Sean Ruane. Funding for the centre, which is sited on a former mill in the Lee Mill area, has been provided by the Northwest Development Agency, the European Regional Development Fund and Rossendale Council.

The unveiling event will take place on Wednesday, July 7 from 2.30pm-3.30pm.