AN artist is putting the finishing touches to his latest creation which celebrates the mining heritage of east Cleveland.

Graham Anderton sought advice from local experts, Chris Twigg and Simon Chatman of the Cleveland Heritage Mining Society, before designing a three metre high mining lamp complete with stylised miner.

The sculpture, commissioned by Redcar and Cleveland Council, will be installed at the Longbeck roundabout, near New Marske.

The 59-year-old, who works at the nearby Gray Star Forge, uses recycled iron and steel for his creations.

“It was always my dream to be an artist, but when I left school I became an engineer instead,” he said.

“Two years ago, I decided to take the plunge, and got some advice and help from Redcar and Cleveland’s Enterprise Team on setting up my business.”

Since then he has worked on several projects and has just secured another project with a local school.

He said: “I’ve just been commissioned to create a sculpture for Rye Hills School in Redcar, and I’ll be working with the children to design it.”

The artist is hoping to have the mining lantern sculpture in place around the turn of the year, thanks to recycled steel donated by Sam Dhollander of Teesside Handling Distribution.