An eight-strong squad of sculptors from the Bradford district and beyond has now been picked to work on the Yorkshire Armed Forces Sculpture Trail destined for a Baildon park.

Ferniehurst Dell will be home to original artworks based around military themes and the trail has already been guaranteed some £80,000 from different sponsors.

The MOD’s Armed Forces Community Covenant Committee has promised £75,000, with extra monies coming from Titus Salt School, Baildon Town Council, Baildon Mechanics Institute and Bradford Council.

The idea has been developed by voluntary group the Ferniehurst Dell Partnership, which looks after the former gardens of long-vanished Ferniehurst Mansion, once the home of Titus Salt’s son Edward.

Heather Graham, a member of the Dell team, said they were thrilled by the number of high quality and exciting applications from local sculptors and had a tough time choosing the final eight.

Those picked to work on the project are Craig Dyson, Mick Kirkby-Geddes, Antonia Stowe, Shane Green, Andrew Frost, Simon Kent, Martin Bond and Edward Mortimer.

“There will be a design workshop phase taking place in the New Year which will be thrown open to local school children and residents – we want everyone to have the opportunity to be part of this exciting project,” said Mrs Graham, who is also the creative and community projects manager at Titus Salt School.

Haworth-based Craig Dyson said he is already working on using shaped metal from victorian looms to create a life-size military figure.

“I tracked down some looms which have beautiful shapes within them and are historically relevant due to the links with Titus Salt,” said Mr Dyson who has a gallery and workshop next to Haworth Railway Station and runs sculpture workshops in primary schools.

Mick Kirkby-Geddes from Holmfirth works in welded steel and said he looked forward to being involved in such a serious piece of work.

“Things I do often end up rather humorous and so this will be an interesting challenge to do something very thoughtful. I like the fact there is lots of different input,” he said.

Martin Bond, of Heaton, Bradford is the creator of the alpacas in Roberts Park and said he was intrigued by the history of Ferniehurst Dell.

“The Dell alone is a very rich vein in itself - the mansion itself vanished and I believe there are no pictures of it, unless T&A readers can help,” Mr Bond said.

Ferniehurst Dell Partnership secretary Rob Higgie said the project was moving ahead as planned: “It is now getting to a very exciting stage and I’m sure all Baildon residents will come to love it,” Mr Higgie said.

And the public are invited to a presentation and discussion about the Dell on Thursday December 5 at 7.30pm at Baildon Old Hall.

Baildon town councillor Ian Lyons, the Ferniehurst Dell Team chairman, said “Everyone is welcome to come and find out what’s going on – it will be very informal, with a bite to eat thrown in.”

More details are available at ferniehurst.wordpress.com or book a place at the December 5 meeting email Mr Lyons at ianlyons@baildontowncouncil.gov.uk.”