PRESTON is the venue for two spectacular works of art.

But rather than housing paintings or literature, the town's public are being treated to something rather different.

Nationally acclaimed arts groups -- Arts Desire and Space Cadets -- have creating huge suspended sculptures have transformed the Guild Hall and Harris Museum over the Christmas period.

London-based Arts Desire have created 'Rhythm & Blues' -- a mini-orchestra of illuminated instruments suspended in the Harris's Rotunda.

In the run up to Christmas, the area will be the focus for a number of musical performances by young, local musicians.

Meanwhile, in the Guild Hall arcade, Manchester's Space Cadets has installed 'Honey Monster' a huge spiky fabric canopy above the heads of passing shoppers.

This will be the Cadet's second project this year following on from the creation of a huge inflatable sculpture which was the star attraction at the Harris's summer holiday programme. Over the next few weeks the artists will work with people at Avenquest, Preston DISC and the Harris Museum and Art gallery, helping them create their own sculptures.

The project has been made possible thanks to a £10,000 Regional Arts Lottery Grant from the North West Art Board and the support from Preston Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, cabinet member for community, regeneration and leisure, welcomed the award.

She said: "I am really looking forward to seeing the finished art works.

"We are very pleased to receive this lottery grant and are grateful for the support of Lancashire County Council and North West Art Board.

"The workshops also promise to be fun events and are a great way of involving local people and using art to make a lasting difference."

Pictured: The children are dwarfed by a massive saxaphone.