PUBLIC artworks are set to be installed outside a large housing development on the outskirts of Thirsk after planning bosses approved the scheme.

Four carved boulder stones, a steel acorn sculpture and 14 steel way-markers posts will be placed at the Topcliffe Road and Gravel Hole Lane junction, outside the Sowerby Gateway estate.

The stones were designed by local people who took part in a series of stone carving workshops led by professional stone carver Michael Disley.

In line with the sustainability theme of Sowerby Art, the stones represent different aspects of Sowerby and Thirsk and surrounding landscape, including images of The Packhorse Bridge, St Oswald’s Church, Cod Beck, Lime Trees at Sowerby, Thirsk Racecourse and the White Horse of Kilburn.

The acorn sculpture, which is 2m high, is being created by professional sculptor Hilary Cartmel and will incorporate artwork created by the local community.

The way-marker posts will be located in and around the Mulberry Homes Yorkshire development, sign-posting pedestrian routes through Sowerby. The tops of each post contain a circular bronze sculpture representing air, water, fire, earth and culture.

Mulberry Homes Yorkshire received funding of £58,250 from the Arts Council and invested a further £95,000 in the project, which has the backing of Hambleton District Council, Sowerby Parish Council and Thirsk-based Rural Arts.

A firm spokesman said: “It will be totally unique and something we hope will bring a lot of pleasure for people living in our homes but also the wider community of Sowerby and Thirsk.”