ANYONE who has ever walked along Blackpool promenade knows what the wind feels like -- but the resort's latest public artwork will show what it looks like as well.

Taking its inspiration from the illuminations, the £40,000 'The Sound Of The Wind Looks Like This' uses state-of-the-art computer technology to show the strength and direction of summer breezes and winter gales.

Poles almost 20ft high will light up and change colour based on information from an even higher wind turbine.

Designed by Glasgow-based artist, Stephen Hurrel, the work is to be unveiled shortly on South Shore promenade.

"This represents a meeting point between nature and technology," said Mr Hurrel: "People will be able to stand within the piece and feel the wind and see it visualised in real time.

"As the wind blows through the poles they light up depending on the strength of the wind. The colour also changes as wind direction changes, so there will be a constant movement of light and colour around the art work"

The work is being funded by Blackpool Borough Council, Lancashire Tourism Partnership and the New South Promenade Hospitality Group.

The computer technology was developed specifically for the project, while the wind turbine will also generate the electricity to run the artwork.

Pat Hansell, head of cultural services for the council, added: "This is a very innovative piece and it sits perfectly alongside the other public art installations on South Promenade.

"Public art is very important and the interactive nature of this work gives it great educational as well as cultural value.

"The high impact art works along South Shore are proving to be very popular and have drawn much public and media attention. 'The Sound of the Wind Looks Like This' will undoubtedly become a much talked about and much visited attraction and further enhances an already visually appealing display of public art in Blackpool."