PUPILS at Sutton High are to create a 'ground-breaking' sculpture on a prominent mound of earth at the junction of Eltonhead Road and Marshalls Cross Road.

The eye-catching work will depict a man, seemingly emerging from the ground, carrying a rugby ball in what is seen as a tribute to the mining and sporting heritage of St Helens.

The idea behind the sculpture came from Sutton High pupils who have been working towards a Millennium art project to create something the whole community will be able to enjoy.

Pupils will now be working alongside professional artists and local residents to create the sculpture and will also be receiving financial and technical support from local brick maker Ibstock.

A St Helens Council spokesman said: "The school is built on the site of an old colliery and the sculpture celebrates both the mining and sporting heritage of the town; the human form emerging from the mound of earth reflects the town's old motto, 'Ex Terra Lucem', out of the ground came light; while the rugby ball reflects the town's sporting history"