A POPLAR stump on Salterforth play area has been saved from the axe and will be transformed into a unique work of art.

The 14-feet tree, next to the Leeds and Liverpool canal, will be turned into a sculpture to provide a way marker on the National Cycle Network.

Children from Salterforth Primary School have been involved in the project, taking part in design workshops led by sculptor Ian Cant.

The work is part of a major environmental project, entitled Land, which is running through out East Lancashire and managed by Mid-Pennine Arts. The project includes a programme of education and arts events inspired by the local landscape. Its aim is to involve adults and children of all ages in creating distinctive environmental improvements.

The Land project will run for four years and involve professional artists working with schools and local groups to create a wide range of landscape features, including woodland trails, way markers and contemporary works of art in a variety of natural materials.

Mr Cant has been a sculptor for the past 10 years and some of his work is currently being exhibited in Barcelona. He has already spent half a day at Salterforth Primary School and plans to return shortly to work with the children on design ideas for the poplar.

He said ideas for the sculpture had been influenced by the fact that Salterforth was situated at the highest point of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and that poplar trees were used to make match sticks. He added that the sculpture should last about 10 to 15 years.

The work will not cost Salterforth or the parish council a penny to undertake. All the hours of voluntary work invested by villagers into Salterforth Fun Day are to be converted pound for pound and used as match-funding for the Government-funded project.

It is hoped the sculpture will be completed by the end of this month.