RADCLIFFE could score a UK first with a million-pound museum showcasing "Standing Stones" sculptor Ulrich Ruckriem.

The world-famous German artist says he will donate four pieces of work - worth more than £1 million - to the town if it can find a suitable venue.

It would be an artistic coup fit for the international stage if the plan succeeds. The project would complement the huge granite stones he installed at the former Outwood Colliery as part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail.

The stones were completed last year at a cost of £880,000 and are at the heart of the new country park.

Ulrich is reckoned to be one of the top-five living artists in the world. His work can be found in Berlin, Tokyo, Barcelona and Cologne - and in the UK, only in Radcliffe!

Mr Tony Trehy, principal arts officer, said the town had built up a good working relationship with Ruckriem.

"I think he feels that the British art establishment are a bit parochial about contemporary international art, and the older generation of figurative artists has not been treated very well," he said. "He has offered four other works as a gift to the borough, and their market value is about £1 million. Ulrich is rich and in his 60s: he's looking at his reputation and his position in the history of art rather than the money.

"We've looked at a few possible sites but not found anything really suitable. We just have to keep looking."

Radcliffe councillor Kevin Scarlett was similarly upbeat about the plans.

"The museum could mean more jobs and more people coming into the town, which can only help to support the retail sector and build on the town's renewal generally," he said.

Coun Scarlett said that, because Ulrich chose Radcliffe to make his massive "Standing Stones" sculpture, it made sense to come back to the town with proposals for a museum of his work and that of other abstract artists.

"It's a sign of a sea change in Radcliffe. We are widening and expanding options in the town to cover cultural interests. That's the fastest growing sector in the North West if not the UK: why shouldn't Radcliffe be a part of that?"

Coun Scarlett added: "Anything that enriches the town - which I am sure it will - should be welcomed. I'm all for it."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.