Viking '˜invasion' is latest part of Â£1m Jarrow art project

Anne Corrigan, project coordinator for Big Local in Central Jarrow, and second right, Norman Graham, a Jarrow Big Local Board representative, with members of Groundworks Land Team with the dragonfly and snail artworks in background.

‘Gateway’ – at Quay Corner at the junction of Church Bank and Priory Road – depicts the bow of the famous Viking vessel.

Created in galvanised steel by Darlington-based artist and blacksmith Adrian Wood, it reflects the town’s links to the fearsome warriors who first struck there in 794.

1 - Anne Corrigan, Project Coordinator for Big Local in Central Jarrow, and second right, Norman Graham, a Jarrow Big Local Board representative, and members of Groundworks Land Team with the dragonfly and snail artworks in background.

It is complemented by a surrounding planting and colour scheme representing the sea and breaking waves.

A second project, close to Jarrow Town Hall, is on a ‘mini-beast’ theme but major in size.

It shows a giant dragonfly, bee and snail made by local residents and from willow and recycled materials.

Central Jarrow is one of 150 areas around the country awarded £1m each to spend over 10 years by the Big Lottery Fund.

Money is available to projects championed by residents and which are viewed as bringing benefit to the town.

The art works were created with the support of staff from communities’ organisation Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle working with Big Local Central Jarrow (BLCJ).

BLCJ is one of 150 areas around the country each awarded £1m to spend over 10 years by the Big Lottery Fund.

Money is available to projects championed by residents and which are viewed as bringing local benefits.

Anne Corrigan, project coordinator for BLCJ, said: “Funding has led to the creation of these two wonderful projects.

“The Gateway sculpture reflects an important part of Jarrow’s history and heritage, while the mini-beasts works really brighten the area up.

“BLCJis designed to bring together local talent and nurture ambition, and these projects were possible through the desire of residents to improve the town.

“The local community and members of the Jarrow Big Local Board identified various small areas of land that they felt needed to be tidied up to help improve the overall image of central Jarrow.”

In its first year, BLCJ boosted four main projects in central Jarrow and 17 smaller initiatives to the tune of £92,903.

More information about BLCJ is available from Anne on 428 1144 or by emailing [email protected]