SCULPTOR John Fortnum made a flying visit to Blackburn as he unveiled his latest piece of work.

The London-based artist was joined by Blackburn with Darwen Council's principal arts officer Rob Howell and Councillor Dave Harling to officially welcome Snowy the crow to the borough.

Snowy is made of steel with a waxed finish and is perched on top of a tall beech tree stump in Witton Park.

Snowy was commissioned by Blackburn with Darwen Council to celebrate bird life in the park and the fact that it is such valuable countryside next to a large urban sprawl.

It is the latest addition to the growing catalogue of quality public art in Blackburn with Darwen that also includes the Grandmother and Grandson on the Boulevard, which recently had its arm restored after being hacked off by vandals.

Artist John was called in to work on the project, part of the £12,000 Park Arts 2001 scheme, which has already seen John work with schools and community groups in Mill Hill to do a mass sailing on the Leeds and Liverpool canal in September.

He will also work with a women's group from Darwen to make some paving for Grainings Wood on Bull Hill.