A SCULPTURE commemorating Teesside’s old trolley bus system has been unveiled.

Sculptures of two steel trolley buses have been installed in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, on the former Birchington Avenue turning circle.

Mayor Vic Jeffries officially unveiled the artwork which has been under construction for months.

The old Teesside trolleybus service was officially opened on Saturday, November 8, 1919 and in wartime special arrangements were made for the trolley buses to pass under Grangetown railway bridge. The system was closed in 1971.

Coun Lynn Pallister, ward member for Grangetown on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This sculpture, celebrating the heritage and culture of this great community, is a wonderful addition to Grangetown. I am delighted to see it unveiled and am sure it will be a popular local landmark for generations to come.”

Billy Kemp of Grangetown Neighbourhood Centre said: “It’s very exciting that we’ve got to the point of installing this artwork. Grangetown is very proud of its trolley bus heritage and it’s great that we’re able to keep this alive with this installation.”

The art installation was commissioned by the Grangetown Neighbourhood Team and sponsored by National Grid, TATA Steel, Teesvalley Housing, Accent Group, Graystar Forge, Carillion and FROG (future regeneration of Grangetown).