A 30FT-LONG wooden sculpture was due to arrive in Blackburn next week to help spruce up the River Darwen Parkway behind Ewood Park.

Designed by Tyne and Wear artist Keith Barrett, with help from pupils at Queen's Park High Schoool, Blackburn, it features two loops that twist to form three rings set on a ridge. It will take up to four days to install.

It is one of 21 art pieces in the 'Time and Place' arts project organised by environmental group Groundwork Blackburn at the 31-hectare site,.

Keith's works of art are usually made from reclaimed wood such as elm and cedar and sited in public places.

Andrew Nash, programme manager for Groundwork Blackburn, said: "Keith's sculpture is one of the largest in the project and should be an exciting piece.

"The market for sculpture is developing and growing. This is partly due to urban and environmental regeneration, which has created a demand for landmark and celebratory features and increased awareness of the positive contribution the arts can make to the working environment and public spaces. The theme 'Time and Place' looks at what happened at a certain time or place and this piece, which focuses on the place, should certainly attract extra new visitors to the area.